condensation

Today's 31°F dawn temperature condenses warm moist bee respiration on the outside of the hive. Ages ago, I inserted a 1" slab of Styrofoam insulation beneath the outer cover to prevent condensation inside the hive.  On cold mornings, it's not unusual to discover condensation near the top vent, but wetness near the hive entrance is less common. Only one hive has condensation at the entrance - in warm weather, this is the hive that flies more vigorously than my two other hives.

condensation: outside versus inside the hive

This fall, water was discovered between the telescoping cover and inner cover.  The dawn temperature of  45 °F, thin plywood construction of the telescoping cover and warm moist hive air is a recipe for condensation.  In the morning, I also discovered condensation on the landing board near the reduce hive entrance.

Using 2 pieces of Styrofoam Block 18"x12"x1" from Micheals, a 1" slab of Styrofoam is fitted to the inside of the telescoping cover.  The small bee escape notch on the top side of the brushy mountain inner cover permits some warm moist air to leak from the hive.  See the photo--Now, the warm moist air leaking from the hive is seen appropriately condensing on the outside of the telescoping cover.   Problem solved, I no longer find water between the telescoping cover and inner cover.