Author Topic: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?  (Read 4742 times)

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Offline J-grow

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Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« on: July 17, 2016, 04:37:29 pm »
I have a warped migratory top.  The gap is pretty big definitely big enough for them to get I'm and out through?

Should I stuff cloth or mulch or anything in there to plug it? 

Thanks

Offline iddee

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Re: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« Reply #1 on: July 17, 2016, 04:48:51 pm »
Two cement blocks.
“Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
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Offline Perry

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Re: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« Reply #2 on: July 17, 2016, 05:16:57 pm »
Weight and humidity will straighten it out for you. :yes:
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Offline J-grow

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Re: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« Reply #3 on: July 17, 2016, 05:22:51 pm »
Ok ...... It shall be heavy ........ I mean done

Offline CBT

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Re: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« Reply #4 on: July 17, 2016, 08:06:33 pm »
I use painters tape as a temporary fix till the gravity and humidity do there job

Offline apisbees

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Re: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« Reply #5 on: July 17, 2016, 08:18:27 pm »
It depends on the time of year. This time of year on a strong hive I would leave it and by fall if the bees didn't want the opening they will propolize it shut. When I move hives masking tape is a must Not for the bees but for my protection from them.
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Offline CBT

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Re: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« Reply #6 on: July 17, 2016, 08:54:55 pm »
For moving bees stretch wrap is the new masking tape :yes:

Offline Bakersdozen

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Re: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« Reply #7 on: July 18, 2016, 08:52:56 am »
CBT, what is stretch wrap?

Offline CBT

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Re: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« Reply #8 on: July 28, 2016, 06:19:47 pm »
It's like the film used in the kitchen but comes on a hand roller to wrap around a bundle or box and holds it tight.


Offline Riverrat

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Re: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« Reply #9 on: August 05, 2016, 12:46:58 am »
stretch wrap is the bomb.  I use to struggle getting some of the molds  I build into a box for safe shipping.  I was out in shop one day and seen the roll of that awesome stuff on the shelf.  Boom I wrapped the mold good and tight then added tape over that and an address label.  Haven't had broken dowel pins from shipping since.  only concern I would have is don't use it to move hives if you seal to tight on a hot day you will over heat and suffocate the bees
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Offline lazy shooter

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Re: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« Reply #10 on: August 05, 2016, 08:35:12 am »
I just have one migratory cover, and it isn't warped, but in our Texas heat, I have placed a stick under one end of it and wedged it up to help cool the hive.  The bees are using it as an upper entry.  I don't mind that a bit.  I like having both upper and lower entrances on strong hives in our hot summers.  I wouldn't worry about the warped lid for a bit.  As stated above, some weight will fix it is time.

lazy

Offline Lburou

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Re: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« Reply #11 on: August 06, 2016, 12:35:36 am »
...I like having both upper and lower entrances on strong hives in our hot summers...

I'd normally advise against that large opening on top of those hives Lazy...But knowing those bees will stop any SHB or Moth trying to get in before they get past the second bee, I'll be silent.     ;)    :D
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Offline lazy shooter

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Re: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« Reply #12 on: August 06, 2016, 08:25:24 am »
...I like having both upper and lower entrances on strong hives in our hot summers...

I'd normally advise against that large opening on top of those hives Lazy...But knowing those bees will stop any SHB or Moth trying to get in before they get past the second bee, I'll be silent.     ;)    :D

Now, you have got me to thinking.  What got me started was one of my hives has a 0ne-inch diameter hole in the second super, and boy howdy do the bees love that hole and use it a lot.  I also read where some beekeepers use a wedge under their telescoping cover allow for summer ventilation.  I haven't thought about SHB, and as you know, four of my hives are from Rweaver this past spring and his bees aren't nearly as defensive as my Bweaver bees. 

lazy

Offline Lburou

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Re: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« Reply #13 on: August 06, 2016, 09:35:22 am »
Lazy, as we discussed offline, those hives are currently strong enough to defend against the SHB and Wax moth.   :)
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Offline LazyBkpr

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Re: Do you plug the gap on a warped lid?
« Reply #14 on: August 09, 2016, 11:08:35 pm »
Have wax moth, but not much trouble with SHB... I use an upper entrance year round. It is only a little bigger than an inch long and 3/8 deep, but the bees seem to appreciate it, and I also seem to have cleaner comb in the honey supers than I used to have... I wont even get into wintering, mostly because I dont want Robo to see it and come slap me.    let me just say that an upper entrance seems to be benficial HERE. You will have to determine if it is beneficial THERE.  As stated, it should not hurt on a strong hive while it is being weighted.
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