On Mon, 25 May 1998 06:51:27 -0600 "Excerpts from BEE-L"
<[log in to unmask]> writes:
>From:          Computer Software Solutions Ltd <[log in to unmask]>
>To:            [log in to unmask]
>
>It would appear, that the aggressiveness displayed by a colony is
>significantly determined by the number of guard bees deployed (all
>other
>things being equal). If stratagems can be used to reduce the number of
>guard
>bees, then it would seem that the aggressiveness displayed by the
>colony can
>be reduced. One method I have heard of is to reduce the size of the
>hive
>entrance. Are there other 'modifications' that can be made to the hive
>structure to achieve this end?. I seem to remember something about
>increasing the distance between the bottom ends of the combs and the
>floorboard.
>
        We move a couple hundred or so hives to and from orchards each
year. We Have found that the slatted rack does wonders to the temperment
of a hive. Perhaps they post fewer guards. We find that both the
screening and un screening process is much more pleasant with the slatted
rack. In most cases one can put a hand right in front of the bottom board
entrance with little attention paid. There may also be another factor
involved here as well. Most all colonies, when they are on their home
stand have a 1/2" hardware cloth varmint guard inserted. This also
greatly reduces the threat of robbing, when the dearths occur and keeps
out our little four footed pests. IMHO thesedevices are well the extra
weight the may add to the weight of a hive. It is not uncommon to hear
the grunts (me included) say during the lifting and moving, uh oh here is
one without a slatted rack. The other advantages have been discussed on
this list previously.
 
Alden Marshall
B-Line Apiaries
Hudson, NH 03051
[log in to unmask]
tel. 603-883-6764
 
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