Provide shade

Providing shade is a primary method to prevent hive overheating. Placing hives in naturally shaded locations, such as under trees, or providing artificial shade structures, like shade cloth, significantly reduces direct sun exposure and hive temperature. Shade reduces solar heat gain, keeping the hive cooler and lessening heat stress on bees. Shade is particularly important in hot climates or during intense summer sun. Shade cloth draped over hives or natural shade from trees are effective and cost-efficient ways to mitigate overheating.