This is our Marshall apiary. This year we tried something new, homemade and cheap. Each blue wrap cost about $8.00 and took about 10 minutes to make once you get the hang of it. We had tried several ways of insulating from the reflective bubble-wrap style to the hard foam insulation. Both had good points and bad points.
These are just medium weight blue tarps we bought for $5.00 for a 2 pack at a large hardware store. We made the tarp into basically a large envelope, using Gorilla tape on the ends. The expensive part is going to be the gorilla tape. Use the widest, longest roll you can find. We tried duct style tape but it didn't hold up well to the weather and cold. I would still make these before the cold weather sets in. it helps the tape adhere to the tarp.
We kept a flap that we could fold over the open part to help seal it up. Before filling the "envelope" with straw we tied the bottom using just cheap clothesline. We then tied the top with the same type of clothesline. That way the "envelope" flap would fold over the clothesline helping to protect it and the straw. If the straw gets wet it gets heavy and will drag the "envelope" down covering the entrance.
This is the 2nd year we are trying a liquid feeder jar. The feed is a 3 to 1 simple syrup with Honey B Healthy. Last year we we tried just the jar with no insulation or moisture control. Just a couple of small vent holes. This didn't work out very well. This year I used a few inches cedar shavings I bought at TSC. This hopefully will help with insulation, moisture and pest control. I still use a couple of small holes drilled into the sides of the super. Don't make these to large because mice will get in. Or put wire screen over the holes.
You may have to click on the photo for a better view. I cut a hole in the inside cover big enough for the lip of the jar to "catch" to keep the jar raised just off the frames. This keeps the jar off the frames and gives a better feeding area.
You'll notice that in this example the super isn't charred. I didn't have time. I would highly suggest lightly charring the inside of any super as it helps with moisture, mold and mildew and pest control. It also seals the wood a bit protecting it against rot.
I wanted the jars to be easily removable to be refilled. The smaller pipe is for ventilation and both are there obviously to keep the cedar chips from falling into the hive. Next winter (if this works) I'll be putting copper screens over the vent holes. I have found 1 mouse nest in the cedar chips of one hive. They all went for the pipe when I opened the top. I finally got them out but lesson learned. Another problem was in a couple of frisky hives the bees would come up the pipe and check things out.
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