The effects were investigated of wintering bees in migratory hives (2 types) with top insulation, with and without top ventilation. The study lasted three successive years, with a total of 112 colony winterings. The top ventilation made no significant difference to winter loss of bees, food consumption, colony size in spring, or honey yield next season. The ventilated hives showed a substantial reduction in the occurrence of damp and mould in the hives, as assessed on a four-point scale.
INGEMAR FRIES. OUTDOOR WINTERING OF HONEYBEES IN TOP-VENTILATED HIVES. Journal of Apicultural Research 21(4) : 212-21S (1982)
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