REGARDING           Supplemental hive entrances
 
I was rather surprised upon reading the responses about the Imirie Shims some
days ago, that no mention was made of the simple matter of drilling  a 3/4 or
7/8 inch hole in the front of each deep hive body.  I do this as a standard
practice, and find the extra openings always well used.  When they are not
wanted it is a simple matter to put a plug of duct tape, or whatever is at
hand,  into the opening to close it up.  These openings have the advantage
over the shims in that no extra open space is added between hive bodies or
supers.  Entering bees can get directly to where they need to be in the hives,
and extra ventilation holes are provided in hot weather.  (I often put holes
both in front and back, for extra ventilation.)
A word of caution, however - when storing these hive bodies, remember to plug
the holes, since mice love to enter by doors just their size!