[log in to unmask] asks:

> ... does the hole on the entrance reducer face up or down?
Well, it all depends how you install it and whether you're in the
northern of southern hemisphere. ;)

Actually it can go either way with pros and cons for both (as you
mentioned).  Another pro for facing up is there is a little extra space
available for dead bees to collect on the bottom board without blocking
the entrance.  I usually face mine up after 20 years of facing them
down.  Can't honestly say I've noticed a difference.

This whole question becomes moot if you buy galvanized metal entrance
reducers, there's only one choice then, facing down.  I like those
entrance reducers because you can screw them to the hive body when you
take them out in the spring and you don't have to search around for them
in the fall.  Plus, you don't have to worry if they're upside down or
not AND if you turn them upside down they seal a hive (good for
preventing robbing from deadouts until you can remove them from the
yard).

Aaron Morris - thinking I don't know which side is up!