Aaron Morris wrote:

>  As stated, I've never used the homosote board.  I've always used an empty
> super stuffed with straw to wick away moisture.  I've never been real
> thrilled with the nasty wet straw in the spring, and figure the homosote
> board may be a better tool and definitely a lot easier to schlepp into the
> apiary than bales of straw.
>
>  I wouldn't want anything on top of a colony that will absorb moisture. I
> believe the moisture should be vented away, not collected above a colony. I
> turn the deep side of the inner cover toward the bees. I close the escape
> hole, and place a sheet of foam insulation (16x20) on the inner cover. Tht
> front rim of the inner cover has a notch (2x3/8) for an upper entrance. The
> moisture exits the hive, and is not retained. In face, on really cold days,
> the moisture forms a horizontal icecycle out the upper entrance.  I do wrap
> with tar paper. but don't fold it over the foam, but rather it is doubled back
> on itself. This allows moisture to escape up the sides and under the outer
> cover. I have no moisture problems, even in the harsh winters of northern
> Vermont.


Mike