I live in Central Queensland where it’s very hot in the summer. While we had a mild spring it’s been 35/c (95 in f) for the last ten days and will probably stay like this for the next 4+ months.
My bees beard a lot on any day over 35. Has anybody tried to used a fan positioned far away as to not be dangerous to cool the hive? Maybe even from below?
My thinking was it would save a lot of work and energy from the bees which could be better put into honey production.
Best I have found in hot weather is to put an empty box above the inner cover with a vent at the top. This lets the hot air move above the comb and the bees don’t seem to build above the inner cover. I only do this for the really hot periods so its usually only for a few days at a time then remove it when the weather goes back to more normal temperatures.
Also, a shadecloth cover over the hive will help as well.
As for the fan, I would not bother but you could try it.