>>In areas where the temps regularly exceed 100F and reach 120F, shades are an absolute must. In the Imperial Valley they use "ramadas" which are usually frame structures with roofs made from palm branches. In the Sacramento Valley it is typical to move the bees into the mountains in summer to avoid the heat. At the higher temperatures the combs will melt down and the wax and honey will pour out the front. When the temperatures are in the 80F to 100F range, and there is nectar coming in, bees seem very content. In fact, I often stop using the veil when these conditions are present. So, I would say, unless you are in a hot desert, full sun is better.<< I have 3 hives in the 5'-8" attic of my garage. They have screen bottoms and there are two windows - one in the attic wall opposite the hive wall and another directly below the hives - providing ventilation whenever there is a breeze. Since bad weather is not an issue in the attic, during the hot spell, I place full screen tops on the top supers. I have thought about putting in a roof vent but I have not noticed bees suffering. I keep a thermometer on top of the tallest super. The temperature in the attic tends to be about 10 deg. F higher than the ambient. So far this season, there were only two times when the attic temperatures went up to 110 - 115 F during the day and I saw a dozen bees ventilating at the entrances protruding throught the garage wall. I did not see any bees ventilating inside the hive (when I looked up through the screened bottoms or down through the screened tops) and there were no changes in the bee water uptake from the pond. When the attic temperatures were < 105 F, I did not see any bees ventilating. Can someone tell what temperature level varroa find uncomforatable/unbearable ? (Is 120 F the threshold temperature for bees ?) I recall a thread claiming that elevated temperatures had a control effect of the parasite. This would run contrary to the Cypriote beekeeper's experience. I would like to think that the attic's higher temperatures decrease the varroa in my hives. Am I under an illusion ? As a dedicated hobbyist, I plan not to control varroa with chemicals and may suffer every once in a while. I hope I will be able to replenish any losses with splits. One hive has an Italian queen, the other two are New World Carnolian from Strachan selected for SMR. I would welcome comments from anyone who kept bees under similar conditions. BTW, I have placed my bees in the attic because I live in a somewhat densely populated suburb. The hive entrances are 10 feet above the ground and face a row of 30-ft plus tall, thick evegreen shrubs on the property line. The bees are flying overhead and neighbors are unaware of the bees. It's my first season and we extracted our first own honey on the 4th of July ! It was very joyful for the entire family. Waldemar Long Island, NY ------------------------------------------- Introducing NetZero Long Distance Unlimited Long Distance only $29.95/ month! Sign Up Today! www.netzerolongdistance.com