Beekeeping 101

[beebabyelle1]

My hive has been bearding at the entrance for at least two weeks now. I am new to keeping bees and am not sure what to do for them. I know they are hot. I put an empty super above the inner cover and they have a screened bottom board. Not sure if it's necessary to do more. I have opened the hive entrance. Can anyone tell me if I need to do more or less?

[Wally]

If they have water within 300 yds., I would only stand back and smile.

[Jacobs]

Bearding is a normal reaction to hot weather. It is a way for the bees to regulate the inside temperature. I would remove the empty super. If the bees are finding any nectar and are in a wax drawing mood, they can make a real mess up there. Opening the entrance and the screened bottom board should provide enough air flow for the bees. (I am assuming that your hive is not painted a dark color.)

[beebabyelle1]

The bees have plenty of water, a creek down the road, water from my irrigation, plus watering the garden. I have also put out a dish and I've never seen them after any of that water. Before I put the empty super on top, I placed 4 popsicle sticks diagonally on the corners of the inner hive cover. The screened bottom board is in the lower position. I was wondering if I could take out the board below the screen completely. It's the screened Rubes bottom board. I thought the queen didn't like light coming in and haven't done that for that reason. Do you suggest pulling that out? The hive is white.

[Wally]

The board in the bottom should only be in for 2 to 3 days at a time while doing a mite count. Yes, take it out and store it. It creates a haven for wax moths and SHB when it is left in.

[beebabyelle1]

We have been crushing shb occassionally on that board. Our last inspection revealed 1 shb on a frame so we put in a trap. No wax moths. Thank you for the info.