BEEKEEPING
& DEX
ELOPMENT
31
SHADE FOR BEES HONEYBEE COLONIES must not get too hot. If the colony temperature is becoming high then foragers will be busy collecting water,
to reduce the nest temperature, rather than nectar or pollen. Edition 27 of Beekeeping & Development explained the importance of
water for bees. In very sunny conditions, colonies protected by solid shade can produce 50% more honey than colonies exposed to the sun Beekeepers therefore obtain greater honey harvests by
providing nearby water sources and protecting colonies from too much heat
PROVIDING SHADE
The roof of the shade should be high enough to allow the beekeeper to work amongst the hives If a large number of hives are to be shaded and a long shade !s to be constructed, then it should run east-west to give maximum
f
In hot climates wild-nesting colonies always choose a shady spot for their nest, near to a ‘er supply The easiest way to protect colonies in hives from the sun 1s if possible, to place them under shade trees In a green grassy area If no shade trees are available then artificial shades must be constructed
SASENRS'
“
ae
he
Shade for
bees in India
Summer
management of colontes in areas where the temperature goes as high as 48°C requires the bees to be kept under thick shade or
under temporary structures made with a reed or grass roof, as shown here
4
EKEEPING CERPRACTICAL
benefit
KEEPING HIVES COOL Colonies also receive heat radiating from the ground Reduce this effect by siting the hives on grass or other green vegetation, or placing mats under the hives Hives can also be painted white or a light colour to reflect heat, rather than absorb it
ATER And always make sure that your bees have plentiful water supply, as near as possible
A well-shaded apary
int
Eaupt with combing plants
Coconut groves provide excellent shade for fives ut Malaysia
a
to give shade
and absorb the feat
Hives well shaded from the sun in Sudan
THREE
