a brood box that I borrowed had a one inch hole drilled in it just below the handle in the brood box as an alternate entrance to the hive. I just purchased new brood boxes. I drilled a one inch hole in one and painted it to weather proof it. I plan on putting this box on top of another brood box that does not have a one inch hole in it. That way the bees will be able to enter at the very bottom of the hive or in the middle of the second brood box. Any opinions on this?
A lot of beekeepers do that and I don't understand why. I dislike holes in that location as it greatly improves the chances of getting stung while trying to life or carry a super. If ventilation or upper entrance is desired the higher on the hive the better, either prop up the top and make dedicated top entrances. Holes in the ends of supers still allows for condensation buildup above the hole.
I really don't know what I am doing but the bee's seem to use the hole on the brood box I have now as much or more than they do the bottom entrance. If I have this on the second brood box only will this be a top entrance in sort? Does anyone else do this?
Nobody really knows what they're doing for the 1st year or 2 so don't worry. It will work as a top entrance of sorts but a hazardous one to the beekeeper. The worst place to drill a hole, and I've seen plenty of hives where it was done, is to drill a hole in the middle of the hand grip.....ouch!
Topic: Top entrance or middle entrance? (Read 1301 times)