> Is there any scientific evidence showing that the 3/4 inch space is needed?  The 3/8 inch blocks mice and is a fairly large area ( 15 X 3/8 ~= 5 square inches). 



Dr. Tom Seeley, in his book Honeybee Democracy, notes that the optimal opening size for a hive is about 15 cm2. For those of us using a non-metric measurement system, that equates to about 2.33 square inches if my calculation is correct. 



One might note that with a “standard” entrance reducer, the largest opening is about half the optimal opening size that Seeley mentions.



A 3/4" opening without a reducer is about 12 sq. in. while the 3/8" opening is about 6 sq. in.



Joe

 

Joe Komperda, Sr.

Statesville, NC USA

+1.303.304.6459



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