Natural Beekeeping International Forum

[freebee]

My bees started to build on the right of my tbh and therefore builiding towards the left. On the right are 2 holes open at the moment. The bees are now halfway and the tbh has also holes (now closed) in the middle, same side. Is it wise to open one hole in the middle, so they have a shortcut for their honey storage? Or will this confuse them, maybe more chance of robbery?

[Barbara]

Hi
Unless there is a very strong nectar flow, I wouldn't open a hole in the middle. Are they laying down significant nectar stores yet. I'm going to be doing my first inspection of the season in the next couple of days and I would be surprised if my bees are not still mostly living off winter stores, so I would say not to do it if you lived near me, but obviously I don't know how fast your bees are building up and how much forage they have in your area. Everything is a couple of weeks behind here.
I guess if you have Oil Seed Rape nearby then it may well be beneficial. It is also worth considering if this hive is at an out apiary or in your own garden where you can monitor activity on a regular basis and shut it back down if there are signs of robbing.

[freebee]

I will do my first full inspection today, it will be over 25 C. I live in the north of The Netherlands and we are behind here too. So let's see what happens today, I will keep your advice in mind. Thanks.