Inner Cover

 Inner CoverThe Inner Cover

It helps to keep the bees from gluing the outer cover to the hive body as well as from gluing the outer cover to the top of the frames.  Some beekeepers will substitute a heavy canvas cloth. The inner cover is more gentle to the bees by creating a 1/4″ bee space between the frames and the inner cover.

An inner cover has many purposes. It will help to insulate the hive creating a 1/4″ dead air space between the outer cover and the hive. SMF does not notch the inner cover for ventilation. A Popsicle stick or small stone can be used to prop the inner cover open for ventilation if needed. This way, if the hive needs to be moved, we simply staple a screen over the oval hole and screw it down onto a super at the four corners.

The oval hole in the inner cover can be used for feeding or it can be used in combination with a bee escape when bees need to be evacuated from a super. Never worry about the inner cover placement on the hive since our  inner covers are identical on both surfaces.

A detailed schematic and diagrams along with a YouTube video will be posted soon with step-by-step instructions. Sign up for product updates and you will be the first to know once this information is available.

Materials List

Premium Grade, very occasional soft knots (repaired), no waneSurfaced 1 side 2 Edges 2 .875 x.8125* x 14″
2 .875 x.8125* x 20″
 1/4″ cedar flat stock 1 14″ x 20”

*Sweet Mountain Farm uses the scrap from the hive body to produce the frame for the inner cover. This dimension can be varied based upon available stock.