Dandant hive top cover question

[malabarchillin]

Hi,
I am new and just received my woodenware order today.
When I called the Dadant Florida branch to order I was told
that in Fla many people were not using a top inner cover because
of hive beetles and that "the fla commercial guys" were using a top outer cover
that was not covered in metal, but plywood with some coating on it.
I agreed to order that type of top cover.
Today I received my order and the top is the same width as the hive body/supers
and is a couple of inches longer. There is a 3 inch hole in the center of the cover.
The cover is about 3/4 inches thick so it does not appear to be used as a inner cover.
any ideas why there is a huge hole in the center of a outer cover ?
Thanks
Mike

[Old Timer]

sounds like a migratory cover. the hole is for a jar of sugar syrup.

[pdmattox]

Yep, that is what is used for and that is the same lid I use. Just put a jar lid in the hole when not feeding.

[Understudy]

Since you are in Florida. I would recommend using a top entrance. You never be completly free of SHB. However you can keep their numbers low. Also the top entrance helps the bees,  since they don't have to work as hard at keeping the hive cool.

Sincerely,
Brendhan