I didn't think it would be too much shade, but shading the hives when against the grain of common thought. So far shading hasn't caused a problem with beetles. But, if suddenly I get loaded up with beetles will I be able to tell if it's because it's the shade covers or simply the beetle population exploding? :-\ This summer I've seen the lowest number of beetles in my three summers of beekeeping. I just hope it stays that way and I don't have to figure out whether the shade covers mattered in regards to beetles.
Stress...I agree. Seems if anything stresses the bees then there is another creature waiting to benefit the situation...wax moths, beetles, robbers,...
I'm keeping an eye on them.
Ed