they only close the west side entrance during the cold months, as soon as it warms up a little I clean the close entrance out with a stick and it stays open and used until the cold times, its not hard to figure out guys.. this is one of those things you should try for yourself, I bought these BB's from a old beekeeper that had passed away, he had 750 hives and did some pollinating, I just tried them since I had them and like them a lot. try them yourself or not, but I like them..