Johnwm73. Rain MUST not go into the colony, ever, that is the worst thing that can happen to the bees is getting wet. I think that we need some further clarification on what is going on at your place. The only time that you would have an issue with the queen flying away is when a swarm occurs, then the colony will leave with the queen. The queen ordinarily does not ever leave the hive, unless she is a virgin queen and must go out on her mating flight. But once that mating flight happens with a queen, she never leaves the hive unless it is for swarming to a new location. I hope this may clarify a little bit your quandry. Ask more questions if you need further answers and more clearly define what you are saying. Have the best of this great and most wonderful day, groovin' on our groovy life. Cindi