We are looking at a variety of farm properties and many have loafing sheds and one has a hay barn. (picture a barn with a roof but no sides). I have read that SHB need to get to dirt to develop and that a control options might include stopping them from reaching the dirt. My question is whether the hives can be placed on black plastic under a loafing shed or hay barn or whether it would be silly. This would stop water from raining on the hives - not a big deal, I know, but the loafing shed could also provide shelter from north wind. It would also keep out sunlight to an extent, however, and I do not know what this would do.