I have my TBH on my roof, sitting about 10" high off the roof, in full sun. My first captured swarm absconded after 4 days, but I have had a second swarm in the hive since March 12th. I was advised by some members to put the solid bottom board in and add lemongrass oil. These seemed to work as my second swarm is doing well. They are building perfect comb about an inch from all sides with no attachments. I live in Southern California, walking distance to the beach, so with the marine layer, it rarely gets past the high eighties on the hottest day of the year. I still have a solid bottom board on the hive, it is flimsy Masonite that lets some air in. I didn't want to remove it as the heat from the roof reflects up towards the hive. Should I be concerned that the hive will get too hot? I was thinking of putting some reflective material where the bottom board is, facing downward, to send the heat away from the hive. I didn't think I should remove the solid bottom board as it doesn't seem like the bees would be able to control the temperature as well with just the screened bottom board in place. Also, I have 3 entrance holes at one end of the hive, but no other ventilation. There is a heavy roof that fits over the hive which does not have ventilation holes either. Thanks for any advice!
Alison