Insulated Hives are Simply Better for Honey Bees
Beekeeping is easier with insulated hives. Honeybees have evolved over millions of years to seek nest sites in tree hollows that are FAR from the conditions we as beekeepers provide in standard traditional beehives like the Langstroth hives. As many scientific studies have shown and observations from scientists, such as Tom Seeley, have shown that small entrances and well-insulated condensing hives are far healthier for bees and their colonies.
The Science Behind Insulated Bee Hives
Bees when given a choice will most often select a tree hollow to start their new colony and an insulated hive performs in several ways a tree hollow would. Unlike a standard Langstroth hive, the insulated hives we sell provide-
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Almost 7X better insulating factor than 3/4" pine wood hives
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Far less drafts through the hive
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Hives with much steadier conditions in the hive
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An increase in CO2 within the hive, which is linked with lower mite counts
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Less Winter food consumption, for better overwintering odds
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Far Better hive climate regulation, the bees control what they want
A study worth reading- https://www.yukonu.ca/sites/default/files/inline-files/Eoin%20Sheridan%20-%20HIVE%20V3.pdf
Thermal Regulation in the Hive
There are several studies out their showing the great efficacy of insulated hives with bees. We run almost all of our hives in some sort of insulated hives, and they build up faster, go through less food, spend less time fanning and conditioning the air, as well as less time tending to the Brood. This means more time to collect honey and fight pests.
Winter Food Reserves
Food is energy and bees use energy to keep their hives in Winter warm by using their flight muscles to generate heat by flexing their flight muscles. This requires a higher calorie intake so the bees can digest the foods energy and convert it into heat. A well insulated hive will greatly lower Winter honey cunsumption. Link to Study
May Help Fight Varroa
Research has made it quite clear that higher CO2 levels in a beehive increases the mortality of the Varroa Mite. A study has indicated that increasing CO2 from 0.12% to 8.5% in an overwintered hive greatly decreases mite population in a hive.
A Condensing Hive is Better
A tightly insulated hive is known also as a condensing hive. These hives allow the bees to control the temperature, humidity and CO2 levels. This helps against mites, and provides a better condition for brood and provides a source of water in the Winter. Because the hive is insulated the condensation doesn't have negative affects like it would in a traditional wood hive.
Insulated Hive Features
Better insulation
6 x greater insulation than traditional timber hives for a stable temperature throughout
the year, keeps the colony warm in winter and cool in summer to improve survival.
Improved Queen Excluder
Integrated metal queen excluder within the hive body walls, allowing the honey super to securely fit onto the brood box and create a seal between the two boxes.
Durable
Resistant to dry rot and termites, its 360-degree protective edge allows the hive tool to be inserted anywhere around the hive body without causing damage and prevents pests from entering between.
Ventilated Floor
The aluminum perforated floor enhances ventilation, allowing the colony to regulate air quality, manage airflow, and control humidity within the hive for healthy bees.
Lightweight
Our EPS hives are half the weight of traditional timber hives and fit six wide on a truck for easier transportation, leading to a more productive beekeeping experience.
3 Stage Entrance
Can be configured to optimise colony security, enhance in/out traffic and provide a flat floor to enable fast removal of debris such as dead bees, chalk brood and pests.
Mouse Guard
Our hives, which are also dry rot and termite proof, incorporate a protective feature that prevents mice from accessing the hive.
Integrated agritech
This software provides beekeepers with the tools to track and oversee all aspects of their beekeeping practice, putting essential hive management data at their fingertips.
Pollen collector
Seamlessly integrates with our pollen collection system that fits neatly into the HiveIQ base and is easily accessible without disturbing the hive.
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