The 8-frame hive top vent box is used as a way to remove excess moisture in a beehive during the winter months. They are also called "quilt boxes". As the name implies they were used as a means to hold a quilt or other absorbent material to wick away moisture produced by the bees. Moisture kills bees in winter, not cold temperatures. A hive top quilt box or ventilation shim is a great way to increase the health and viability of beehives in the winter months.

8-frame hive top vent boxes prevent one of the three main sources of hive loss in winter. They are an easy to use preventative which can be employed to save your bees from having water drip on them as it condenses on the interior cover surfaces of your hive. Bees release moisture from their biological processes which in summer is not an issue and quickly evaporates out of the hive. In fact, this is a good thing in summer as it helps cool the hive. In winter though this can spell doom for your honey bees.

In winter, however, this can be catastrophic. The last thing you need in winter is water dripping on your bees from above as they attempt to cluster and stay warm. This can often be the thing that sends them over the edge, and resulting in you finding a dead-out in the spring.

If you do not have the tools or the desire to make these yourself, we sell 8-frame hive top vent boxes. We also sell 5 and 10 frame versions. You will find all sizes of ventilation shims and quilt boxes on this page

This video shows you step by step how to build an 8-frame hive top ventilation shim or quilt box.

The materials list is as follows:
2x) 19 7/8" x 2 1/2" x 3/4" pieces of stock
2x) 12 1/4" x 2 1/2" x 3/4" pieces of stock
Glue
Screws or nails