NOTE: Do each step to all the hives for greatest efficiency
Make sure the hives are well off the ground and tipped forward
Set hive covers upside down in front of the hives
Place in hive covers in order:
a) top batt b) outer wrap c) inner cover rim (if required) d) entrance reducer with 3" nail started in centre
Smoke hive and nail on entrance reducers, notch down, leaving approximately 2" of nail protruding.
Place on inner cover rims if not a deep rim inner cover. There MUST be an upper entrance to the front of the hive.
Slide on the outer wrap with the single seam going down a back corner, pulling down evenly. The tunnel (where the two ends of the tube are heat sealed forming a flap) should be up the front of the hive and be held up at the entrance, like a tent, by the nail.
Place the top batt on the inner cover, tucking in the plastic.
Put on the outer cover, weighing down if necessary. At top, pull tunnel flap of the wrap out and away from hive. Make sure bees can get out of upper entrance. Rain and snow will be able to go down the front tunnel and run off the bottom board.
Make sure both the upper and lower entrances are accessible to the bees. The upper entrance has a wind break built in by the top of the tunnel of the outer wrap.
