John,
Accepting that most beekeeping and colony condition is governed by local
environmental factors, an indication of your location would be
beneficial.
Then, perhaps somebody could help you with the information you are
searching for.
Here in southern Manitoba at this time of the year, the maximum would be
a few square centimetres.
Regards,
Peter
Central Southern Manitoba
Canada
******************************************************
* Full guidelines for BEE-L posting are at: *
* http://www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm *
******************************************************