Winter wraps

General Discussion of Diary Posts and Questions on Beekeeping Matters
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Vance G
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Location: Latitude: 47°30′13″N Longitude: 111°17′11″W Great Falls Montana

Winter wraps

Unread post by Vance G »

I will some way have to remember to re read this treasure trove of wintering information next August when it is time to think about it. I want to thank you for the three articles you recently made available.

The Kodel wraps you used to use in the four packs: When would the outside ambient temperature get to the bees and get them actively flying? How long did it have to be say 50 F before the message would get to the bees and they would venture out to cleanse? Thankyou again.
Allen Dick
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Re: Winter wraps

Unread post by Allen Dick »

The Kodel wraps you used to use in the four packs: When would the outside ambient temperature get to the bees and get them actively flying? How long did it have to be say 50 F before the message would get to the bees and they would venture out to cleanse?
Can't really say, except that the bees did fly. Maybe the light attracted them? I see bees patrolling entrances in insulated hives even at temperatures well below zero C, so I assume the word gets around. IMO, that is one of the important functions of top entrances in the north.
Allen Dick, RR#1 Swalwell, Alberta, Canada T0M 1Y0
51° 33'39.64"N 113°18'52.45"W
http://www.honeybeeworld.com/Allen%27s%20Beehives.kmz
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Vance G
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Joined: October 26th, 2011, 7:38 pm
Location: Latitude: 47°30′13″N Longitude: 111°17′11″W Great Falls Montana

Re: Winter wraps

Unread post by Vance G »

I did a search on 6 mil black plastic to make the wraps and can't find anything about UV protection. When it is black does that protect it from UV breaking down the plastic?
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karen
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Re: Winter wraps

Unread post by karen »

There are all types of UV coatings you could spray or paint on. Check out the ones used in the marine industry.
Allen Dick
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Re: Winter wraps

Unread post by Allen Dick »

There are various types. The two I have used and seen used are a woven and coated material used in tarps that comes in various weights and qualities and comes from a plastic tarp manufacturer like Inland Plastics and must be specified as UV resistant, and the 6-mil construction plastic sold in lumber stores. It is normally UV resistant, but the seller should know and that should be in the written catalog description.

The degree of UV resistance varies from just okay to excellent (no way of knowing, it seems) and wraps should be stored out of sun in summer when not in use.

I have used both. The latter is cheaper and easier to work, and can be welded with an iron.

Try this: http://www.honeybeeworld.com/searchresu ... &sa=Search

See also my Bee Culture article, listed at http://www.honeybeeworld.com/diary/topics.htm
Allen Dick, RR#1 Swalwell, Alberta, Canada T0M 1Y0
51° 33'39.64"N 113°18'52.45"W
http://www.honeybeeworld.com/Allen%27s%20Beehives.kmz
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