Outer Covers (10-Frame)

10-Frame Hive Outer Covers

Dadant's 10-frame hive outer covers are built to shield your colony from the elements in every season. An outer cover is a critical part of the hive, functioning as a beehive "roof." When placed on top of the hive, they provide additional protection, ventilation and insulation for the honey bees.

In winter months, outer covers also greatly reduce condensation within the hive. Their telescoping shape allows it to hang a few inches over the hive body, which keeps the hive dry and bees safe from the elements. Outer covers for 10-frame beehives come in several styles, each suited to a different climate, management method, or beekeeper preference.

A beekeeper's choice of cover depends on the size of the hive, their girls' needs, and design choice. Wooden outer covers for hives can be galvanized with metal, which helps them better withstand wind, rain, storms and snow due to the added weight.

Another example is a temporary clear dome cover, which is perfect for showcasing your hives to guests. Dadant's beehive outer covers range from classic telescoping metal tops to polystyrene and migratory styles, so you can find the right fit for your apiary. Some outer covers require an inner cover for additional temperature and ventilation control.

10-Frame Telescoping Metal Outer Cover Commercial Assembled/Painted
C11001P

Rating:
100%

1 Review

$39.95

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10-Frame Telescoping Metal Outer Cover with Inner Cover Select Unassembled
B11101

$49.95

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10-Frame Telescoping Metal Outer Cover with Inner Cover Select Unassembled - 5 Pack
B11105

Rating:
65%

4 Reviews

$225.95 As low as $220.95

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10-Frame Flat Wood Outer Cover Commercial Unassembled
B14201

Rating:
80%

2 Reviews

$17.25 As low as $14.95

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Types of Outer Covers

Dadant offers outer covers in both select and commercial grades. Some outer covers are available both assembled and unassembled.

Wooden Outer Covers with Metal

10-Frame Telescoping Metal Outer Cover: This popular metal cover is made of wood and galvanized with a piece of metal. The metal top allows the cover to last longer and better withstand the elements. This cover is available both assembled and unassembled, as well as for 8-frame hives.

Black Fume Board with Black Top Pad: This cover is lined with chemical absorbing canvas liner and galvanized with black metal to absorb heat from the sun. The inside of fume boards can be sprayed with bee repellent such as Bee Quick or Bee Go, which will drive bees from the honey super to the brood chamber. This will make harvesting honey easier and more efficient. This cover is also available for 8-frame hives.

8-Frame Garden Copper Outer Cover: Galvanized with copper, this cover is perfect for adding an appealing look to your beehive and function as an accent piece to your garden.

Wooden Outer Covers

Dadant's 10-frame hive outer covers in the wooden category give hobbyists and commercial beekeepers alike a low-cost, low-profile option.

10-Frame Migratory Outer Cover Plywood: Migratory outer covers do not have the telescoping shape that many outer covers have, but they do have their advantages. These covers are cheaper and easier to build, and your girls may yield more products because of increased space. If you place a migratory cover on top of your hive, you will no longer need to use an inner cover.

10-Frame Flat Wood Outer Cover Commercial: This commercial grade cover is made from Ponderosa pine. Despite not having a telescoping shape, it still fits tightly onto hives and functions as a strong cover.

Additional Outer Covers

Polystyrene Telescoping Outer Cover: Used for 10-frame wooden hives, this polystyrene cover keeps the hive cooler in summer and warmer in winter. A similar polystyrene outer cover is available exclusively for Beemax hives.

Clear Dome Temporary Cover: The Clear Dome Temporary Cover allows you to see activity within the hive without removing the cover.. This is perfect for curious visitors who want to observe your hive in action without disturbing the honey bees. This cover is also available for 8-frame hives.