Top Entrances and SHB/Ventilation Question and Quilts

[warrior]

Okay, I'm in the planning stages to get set up for next season. No boxes yet. In the distant past I kept bees pre mite and long before SHB and would run my boxes with a top entrance by just sliding the top super over about a half an inch and the bees did just fine even through winter. Back then moths were the only real issue and if the ladies stayed strong the moths were not an issue. I read that strong is also the first line defense against SHB but I also see that SHB can hit in numbers enough to overwhelm the slightest weakness in a colony so am I right in thinking that the old slide/prop a box top entrance is out?
Here's what I'm thinking. Entrance traps (beetlejail) combined with SBB traps. For ventilation a quilt constructed with screening to exclude beetles and if a top entrance is desired to adapt an entrance trap with a shim to slide between the quilt and super.
Opinions?

[warrior]

BTW, I have zero intent to ever use anything harsher than sugar inside the box to include going foundationless. I would like to be able to run them as I did in the past but realize that ain't possible but do not want to have to resort to nuking everything.

[Specialkayme]

FWIW I use a shim as a top entrance, and a solid bottom board (w/o an entrance). I don't use traps or screened bottom boards (at least, on all the hives) and I don't have a problem with SHB. There are a few in there, but they don't take over that quickly.

I am looking into a quilt or upper ventilation area for next year though.

[warrior]

Thanks. So maybe my concern over SHB may just be paranoia over something unfamiliar? The entrance traps could be overkill then. I just remember how a little inattention could lead to moth problems and from the comments on SHB I assumed it was even more likely to occur.

[greengecko]

I am looking into a quilt or upper ventilation area for next year though.

I am using a top quilt box made from a standard Langstroth shallow which contains natural insulating material (wood shavings) supported by thin solid wooden insert with two screened 3 1/2 inch openings.

My top covers are migratory style with ventilated front and rear screened eaves to allow air circulation above the wood shavings. Wood shavings are hygroscopic and transport moisture via capillary action from the hive to the ventilated eves.

This will be my first winter with this arrangement so I be able to tell you how it works come next spring.

Here is a link to a description of the hive and a set of photos.

http://www.warrebeek.com/hhhive.html

[Specialkayme]

Very nice GG. Do you have plans for those covers?

Keep me informed on how your winter goes. I'm very interested.

[greengecko]

Very nice GG. Do you have plans for those covers?

These are for 8-frame hive bodies. The materials are 1/2" exterior plywood and 1x2 stock.

[Specialkayme]

Thanks GG. I certainly have a new winter project (as if my wife will be fond of another one).

[greengecko]

Here are drawings of the top and quilt box...





... and one of the complete 2 deep 8-frame hive.



In the photo the top is covered with a piece of corrugated PVC for additional protection from the elements.

[scdw43]

Nice looking covers.

[beemandan]

So maybe my concern over SHB may just be paranoia over something unfamiliar?

You should be so lucky. First rule....put your hives in FULL sun!