----- Original Message ----- 
From: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 9:05 AM
Subject: Re: [BEE-L] Winter Bees


> I've read/heard slatted racks reduce swarming but I have not seen any
> comparisons with regular colonies.
>
> Waldemar

Waldermar,
    Slated racks reduce robbing tremendously and also make it easier to 
screens up hives for pollination. The principal involved is that the actual 
entrance to the hive, as far as the bee is concerned is the slats, some 
distance from the conventional entrance. Robbing bees do not care to enter 
an enclosed space before being confronted by guards. I go a step further as 
far as robbing is concerned, a folded piece of 1/2" hardware cloth wedged in 
the entrance essentially stops it as well as keeping out mice in winter. No 
need for entrance reducers in winter either.

Alden Marshall
Hudson, NH 

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