As summer is getting closer and closer we must think about providing summer beehive ventilation. Bees cool the beehive themselves, but we need to provide additional help, especially in the highest temperatures of summer. There are many ways to ensure summer beehive ventilation, and we will extract some that may be suitable for you.
Screened Inner Cover
The screened inner cover is really good as it provides good circulation of air through the beehive. The good thing is that it is blocking the entry for the other bigger insects and other predators.
Screened Bottom Board
This is one of the basic ways of providing summer beehive ventilation. It allows the circulation of air and ventilates the beehive. However, it has its pros and cons. The pros are in regards to not allowing mice and some big insects to enter the beehive. However, the negative side of it might be the possibility of mites entering the beehive.
Slatted Rack
The slatted rack works even better if it is used with the screened bottom board. It is good because it improves ventilation by improving the functionality of the beehive and bees. It makes the bees cluster within the beehive. Hereby, bees are not filling the space between the frames, so they allow the air to circulate more easily. Even more, when the days are really hot, the bees will start hanging in beards from the slats. They will not do this at the entrance.
You forgot vent collars 🙂
try propolis traps instead of screened inter-covers. block them up 3/4 in. the bees can not get through and they will propolis it in the fall to block wind movement. harvest the propolis and use it to coat the walls of hives to improve colony health. or sell it.