The 'old timers' often did not know 'why' something worked, but they sure
learned what works and what does not.

Around here, many beekeepers who learned from 'old timers' use homosote
boards for wintering.  They come off the hives soaking wet, in mid to late
April.  They are kept in the barn for the summer and in the fall go onto the
hives weighing 50% or less of their April weight.

The claim is that the boards accomplish two things:  (1) a means of wicking
the water so it does not condense and drip onto the bees, (2) a source of
water when bees cannot fly.

I believe #1, and not #2.  Despite believing #1 I also note that hives kept
by there beekeepers usually are not at all bee tight and have lots of places
for water vapor to escape.

Thanks to Mike R. for a facinating discussion of the amount of water
generated by metabolism.

Lloyd

-- 
Lloyd Spear
Owner Ross Rounds, Inc.
Manufacture of equipment for round comb honey sections,
Sundance Pollen Traps, and producer of Sundance custom labels.
Contact your dealer or www.RossRounds.com

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