Also Layens hive is much easier on the the beekeeper's back as no continuous heavy lifting of heavy boxes is needed as with supers of conventional Langstroth hives.
In cold climates insulated Layens hives provide good ventilation for moisture with the minimal loss of heat.
A moisture-control divider board for wintering in Layens hives – food-grade silica gel packs under a stapled metal mesh. ECO plywood and wood.
This is an auxiliary moisture control – the main moisture control is via a natural wool-filled pillow on top of the brood nest.
The metal mesh does not face the bees – faces the opposite side. Also, the bees cannot enter it because of the mesh. Six 100g silica gel packs per 1 divider board. 2 such divider boards for a 20-frame layens hive.
When closing up for winter (around mid-October in Zone 5), any honey outside of the brood nest can be considered surplus, so if there are any honeycombs, all of them except the last one can be taken: one should be left for Spring emergencies.
The divider board should have a 1/2″ to 3/4″ ventillation gap under it. The roof of the Layens hive has a 2″ air pocket between the frames and the roof to accommodate the insulation. The roof also has screen openings on both ends to allow moisture to escape.