BIO-BEE - Biological Systems Ltd., Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu

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Pests » BioBee's Hive

Bio-Bee's hive
Bio-Bee's hive is the product of an endeavor which best expresses both consumers' demand as well as the conditions which will ensure efficient work of the bumblebees. On the cardboard outer cover of the hive there are diagrams which clearly explain its operation and maintenance. Herewith the key attributes of the hive:

Normal Working Position
Lifting the plastic shutter to the maximum (no need to remove it from its place!) reveals two flight-holes through which the bees can enter and exit.

"BeeHome" Position
Lowering the plastic shutter to its middle position blocks the two-way flight-hole on the right and leaves the one-way flight-hole on the left opened. The bees will enter via this flight-hole and will be unable to exit. One should wait 1-1.5 hours until most of the workers return.

Closed Position
Lowering the shutter all the way blocks both flight-holes.

Ventilation and hygiene

The bumblebee colony is placed inside a plastic box that has been especially designed to provide maximum ventilation. On the bottom of the box, its sidewalls and lid, there are numerous slits, which allow an airflow that greatly helps the bees to regulate the temperature in the hive. Parallel openings in the outer cardboard box complete an ideal ventilation system that brings about a significant improvement in the pollination activity by the bumblebees.

The ventilation slits in the lid prevent condensation in cold and damp weather. The grid at the bottom of the inner box allows the bees to quickly and efficiently remove dirt and moisture, thus maintaining hygiene in the colony, lengthening its lifespan, and in effect, improving pollination activity.

Sugarwater
A bag of sugarwater, with a drinking apparatus, is held as a separate unit within a cardboard covering beneath the bee colony. The bumblebees obtain the sugarwater through a wick, which transports the liquid from the bag into the brood compartment.

Insulation
Between the plastic inner box, housing the colony and the sugarwater unit there is a thick layer of styrofoam (about 2 cm). This layer, together with the cotton wool covering the brood from above, provides maximum insulation for the bees. This improved insulation protects the colony from extreme weather conditions, especially cold. The result: good pollination activity even under extreme weather conditions.

Pollen feeding
In a number of specific applications, dry pollen is added to the hive as a natural dietary supplement. In the center of the plastic inner lid, you will find a square with slightly raised borders. This is the site where the pollen is placed. Most of it should automatically drop onto the colony through the grid and the remainder may be gently pushed by hand or by using a brush.