Why I Drill Holes in my Hive Boxes & Several Equipment Tips for Fall/Winter

[@Kevin-TinyTrailFarmNC]

Great stuff! I was going to ask about wax moths and… boom! Minute 11:00 you answered before I had to ask! Thanks! Also like the feather stamp!!

[@thehivedoctor13]

Ha! Nice😁 🪶

[@jimsteel7203]

Got your book today! Thanks

[@thehivedoctor13]

Awesome, I appreciate knowing the mail successfully got it to you!😂 🐌 📕

[@gene-sloca]

Awesome video. Appreciate it your time giving this information.

[@thehivedoctor13]

You’re so welcome! Thank you for watching 🐝

[@patrickturner-y9v]

I'm just an amateur hobbiest but I put a hole in each of my honey supers to help the foragers. I wasn't sure that was a good idea until I watched this video. Thank you. Secondly, I hate moth crystals for a number of reasons. I recently learned about using XenTari for wax moth prevention. Great solution (no pun intended).

[@thehivedoctor13]

I have never heard of XenTari 🧐. Sounds like an alien world. I will look it up, thank you!

[@peterdufek2928]

So when will you show us your new bottom board

[@thehivedoctor13]

Just emailed you about that!

[@topsoutdooradventures]

I think that the logic behind the original full length entrance on a Langstroth hive was for ventilation. I run all screen bottom boards so I keep my entrances reduced at all times. The only issue I haven't cracked is an opening big enough for my vaporizer. My vote for the brand is lower left hand corner.

[@thehivedoctor13]

Cool!! I should have taken a vote on the 🪶🪶placement!

[@JoneyJefe]

How would the bees clean out the hives with just the holes? I understand you have the new and improved utility patent pending bottom board with the screen, but what about those with the solid bottom boards?

[@thehivedoctor13]

The bees will drag dead bees up off the bottom board and fly out of the hole with it. I saw it happen just the other day! And this particular design would not work well with solid bottom boards unfortunately.

[@jimsteel7203]

Is it advisable to add holes to existing hives or should I get new boxes- add holes- swap frames?

[@thehivedoctor13]

Good question…I find it easier to drill empty boxes and swap frames. Good thinking!

[@jimsteel7203]

@ enjoyed your video on bottom board, wish they were available. I’d rather get them from you/ your manufacturer .

[@thehivedoctor13]

@jimsteel7203 I appreciate that very much! I also think it’s cool how quickly you read my book!😅 🐝 💨

[@jimsteel7203]

does having the holes as placed help eliminate shb?

[@thehivedoctor13]

Nope! 😅

[@heavymechanic2]

I build new boxes and frames until the weather is too cold. Inspect old equipment, clean frames, etc, wrap hives for wind, top insulation (its moderately cold here). Get supplies and other stuff done before spring. Feed sugar brick if hives are light. Level up any hives that settled in early spring as the bees start coming to life.. Always work to do off season, sometimes its not very pleasant in the cold damp weather.

[@thehivedoctor13]

That’s awesome, it sounds like you keep up with things pretty well. Is the sugar brick similar to a fondant patty?

[@heavymechanic2]

@@thehivedoctor13 I use sugar with 1-3% protein (pollen sub) pressed into a brick and place them in a warm oven to harden. Fondant is a little softer and the HiveAlive stuff is expensive to use. Its only if the hive needs feed, protein helps get the buildup going.

[@thehivedoctor13]

@heavymechanic2 Okay cool, thanks for sharing. I’ve never seen something like that and I like the idea.

[@Bee-ware]

Hi sorry if i missed this. Do the holes give you any issues with robbing ? Thanks

[@thehivedoctor13]

Hey no problem. Actually they help against robbing because they serve as natural entrance reducers. 🐝🐝

[@donstanley8514]

I have heard it said that hive beetles can’t hover. Do you see less of a problem with using holes instead of landing boards.?

[@thehivedoctor13]

Ooh, great question. However, I have not noticed any difference in beetles using this method. And I know what you’re talking about that beetles cannot hover or fly up but in my mind I’m thinking that they can still crawl, so they’re crafty little bugs. Next year I’m going to start using the beetle blasters filled with oil and maintain those on a regular basis. I will place them in the top box because that’s where beetles love to hide.

[@davidlaing7684]

@@thehivedoctor13when i remove my beetle blaster I put a piece of blue painters tap on the top. This way if it is glued down the oil wound accidental spill on the bees as it will kill them.

[@thehivedoctor13]

@davidlaing7684 Oh wow good thinking!

[@ianmackenzie321]

Great info thank you

[@thehivedoctor13]

You bet! 🐝

[@patrickturner-y9v]

By the way, in the winter (I live in Indiana) and I don't want the extra ventilation these holes provide, I simply stick a wine cork in the holes. Fortunately we have plenty of wine corks. I drill the holes the right size for this.

[@rickdaruler6368]

Can't robber bees get into the hole in the honey super to steal honey?

[@thehivedoctor13]

Probably but the colony maintains guards at all entrances. 🐝🐝

[@MinnesotaBeekeeper]

Absolutely.

[@Velacreations]

yep and with so many holes, the hive will have to dedicate more resources to guarding multiple entrances

[@thehivedoctor13]

@Velacreations Not really, even with four boxes tall, each hole is still less space/area than the traditional bottom board entrance.

[@VeritasOmniaVinculaVincit]

@@Velacreations I have holes in my hives like the hive doctor has, but just a single hole in each hive body, I have never noticed a significant amount of robbing in all of my hives, not much at all. I personally don't feel like it's an issue from my experience, the bee's stay on guard at the holes just fine.

[@blackberry5908]

Subject like this you talk like in this video are also found in your book ?

[@thehivedoctor13]

No, but will likely be in my second book I am writing now.

[@dalefriedhoff4098]

What hole diameter are you using for you entrance holes? Do you have any issues with mice entering through your entrance holes? Great information ! Love your videos ! Thanks Dale

[@thehivedoctor13]

Hey Dale! I drill 3/4” holes but 7/8” would work as well. Wine corks are about 7/8” if you ever needed to close them up. And no, I have never really had issues with mice except for equipment stored outside.

[@selfmadewells2855]

Concering the of Drilling holes in the suppers has anyone notice if it help the bees put honey faster than a supper with out holes ?

[@thehivedoctor13]

Good question! In my opinion it does expedite the process. Is it noticeable? Perhaps but it may be indistinguishable from a strong honey flow. My observation has been that foragers will come and go from every hole and I can only surmise that they know what they’re doing when entering a honey super directly vs a brood box. Though that’s not likely the answer you were hoping for, I do not regret doing things in this manner and personally believe that it does help. Thanks for asking!🐝

[@selfmadewells2855]

@thehivedoctor13 logically thinking about it it makes sense but I just wanted if you have actually noticed a difference ,anyway thanks for the knowledge am a beekeeper from the Caribbean we have noe snow here just a wet an dry season

[@thehivedoctor13]

@selfmadewells2855 Oh nice! Nice doubt you have your own challenges with humidity??

[@selfmadewells2855]

@@thehivedoctor13 yes but it's manageable

[@danplatt861]

Wow, I really appreciate the explanation and insight to your methodology. I like how you are mimicking the natural entrance size on your brood and honey supers, reducing congestion, maintaining natural internal temperatures to the brood areas while adding or reducing air flow. Absolutely makes sense and most importantly, you're getting the results that you want as a commercial beekeeper. Thanks Jonathan!

[@thehivedoctor13]

Thanks man! I appreciate that!! 🐝🪶🪶

[@jimsteel7203]

What size hole? Where are you in Georgia.

[@thehivedoctor13]

3/4” to 7/8”. North Georgia mountains

[@jimsteel7203]

@ thanks, ordered your book, going to try that method in ‘25, hopefully we’ll see your new bottom board available for sell

[@thehivedoctor13]

@@jimsteel7203 Thanks man, I appreciate that!! I got it in the mail today actually!

[@VeritasOmniaVinculaVincit]

Another option for branding to consider, that I do with my hive body panels, I bought a cheap CO2 omtech laser engraver off amazon and I put one of the sides of my hive bodies under it before assembly and laser engrave my company logo and roll hot bee's wax on the bare wood after. It's super fast and cheap. I also use the laser on blank craft style sticker/tags to make my brands labels for the honey bottle labels. UPDATED COMMENT WITH: Well, I wish you luck with your patent, I am interested in seeing the patent as I also have holes in my hives like you, but I just have one hole. My grandfather did it that way, and so I do it as well. I also sell hives locally like you and I have, mine are all bee's waxed rolled / dipped, so if you are granted your patent I don't want to end up on the wrong side of it and get a letter from your lawyers. Please keep us updated on your patent please, because now I am going to be worried about the future of my hive body sales going forward, and changes I might need to make. 😮‍💨

[@thehivedoctor13]

@@VeritasOmniaVinculaVincit That sounds pretty sweet!!

[@VeritasOmniaVinculaVincit]

@@thehivedoctor13 Sorry I just updated my response with kind of a question as well 😟

[@MaineMadeHomesteader]

Good question on the Patent I have a couple of hives like you two have I got from a guy near me.

[@thehivedoctor13]

Hey don’t worry yourself 😂. My patent is not for the drilled holes, it’s for my bottom board.

[@jimsteel7203]

@@thehivedoctor13will the board be a screen board? Trying to use your advice about new hives for 2025.

[@Scotspict]

Bottom left corner branding would be my choice.

[@thehivedoctor13]

I like that too. I am leaning more towards that spot😁

[@kellymoore4517]

Are you not overwintering any bees?

[@thehivedoctor13]

@@kellymoore4517 Hey, yes I always overwinter my bees. Why do you ask?🐝

[@kellymoore4517]

@thehivedoctor13 It looked like you were rehabilitating your hives for now.

[@thehivedoctor13]

@kellymoore4517 Oh gotcha. Just slowing down as it gets colder. Hopefully I will see them in spring! 😅🐝

[@johnwilson3866]

In the center above the hole Johnathan that is just my suggestion.😅😅

[@thehivedoctor13]

Ha!! Nice, I like it!

[@cherylmullenax8891]

About your brand... you'll want to put it somewhere that you can see it and recognize it at a glance. Like in case it's already on a truck and heading down the road!

[@thehivedoctor13]

So probably two on each box🪶🪶

[@gene-sloca]

Under the handle. Tag it.

[@thehivedoctor13]

That’s two votes for under the handle!

[@MinnesotaBeekeeper]

Foragers don't transfer directly into the honey super.... You don't date your frames? All old brood comb wax has some chemical contamination. It should never be used to rewax the foundation. What are your latest mite washes and or your OA 48 hour mite drops on your bottom sticky boards.

[@thehivedoctor13]

Hey Minnesota, great questions! 1) I realize foragers don’t transfer directly but if they have direct access to the super, the bees that help unload the foragers are there waiting. 2) I do not date my frames, I can tell by looking when it’s time to cull. 3) Nevertheless, companies that wax frames do so by using beekeepers’ traded in wax. The same goes for sheets of wax foundation. 4) I never do alcohol washes for several reasons and I don’t count mites in that way. I use other indicators that are non-lethal. Thank you for your questions.

[@hermitholllerhomestead2080]

Some beekeepers also say old dark wax also should not be used for candles or cosmetics because of the wax contamination. The honeycomb is the "liver" of the colony.

[@thehivedoctor13]

@hermitholllerhomestead2080 It really is, I agree. The health of the comb determines the health of the colony.

[@hermitholllerhomestead2080]

@@thehivedoctor13 So, its not good to reuse old, dark wax to make new foundation, candles or cosmetics.

[@thehivedoctor13]

@hermitholllerhomestead2080 The wax itself isn’t dark. Once melted and separated from the slum it’s actually a nice yellow color. As far as companies reusing it, I don’t believe that’s regulated as far as I know. 🤔

[@Velacreations]

robbing nightmare

[@thehivedoctor13]

Not at all, quite the opposite actually!

[@richardhaen]

Thanks, very good video, and very informational . Sounds like a good idea.

[@thehivedoctor13]

Nice, I’m glad you liked it! Thanks 🐝

[@bujarmamudi1208]

Dude, if you are wearing a t-shirt, you have no fall or winter!

[@thehivedoctor13]

Haha!! Where do you live?

[@robertcaudill1660]

I live in Searcy Arkansas and wear shorts and t shirts year round. When I lived in Maryland I only wore pants and long sleeves when it was below 20 and had to be outside for more than a few minites

[@thehivedoctor13]

@robertcaudill1660 Mamma mia!🥶🥶😂

[@thehivedoctor13]

@robertcaudill1660 That sounds nice with less cold though.

[@jamescanderson1302]

save the Slum - Gum !!!! the best attractant for swarms -- place next to your catch boxes the smell will attract the bees BOOM BOOM

[@thehivedoctor13]

Nice! I’ve never heard that 🤔

[@jamescanderson1302]

@@thehivedoctor13 You have many hives after removing old comb and removing the wax take the Slum Gum to your bee club and have them try it. You will then be elected president!!! maybe not such a good idea!

[@thehivedoctor13]

@jamescanderson1302 😂😂