Before you start creating an apiary, you need to choose a suitable housing for insects. Probably everyone knows the name of the house for bees. Of course, it's a hive. It can be noted that small pets are completely unpretentious and can take root in any box.
Hive types
Currently used bee houses are divided into:
- horizontal, they are also called loungers;
- vertical, or risers;
- combined.
In the first case, the dwelling consists of one building. The expansion is carried out in both directions. From 16 to 24 frames are installed in such a house, their number is easy to change, but they are weighty and bulky.
When using the second type, the size of the hive is increased by attaching superstructures from above. This form is more convenient and easier than the previous one.
The best qualities of sunbeds and risers combine combined hives. They have several departments, partitioned off by the diaphragm. This makes it possible to change their volume both up and to the side.
Where can I get a house?
Experienced specialists advise beginners to buy usedhives. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that their internal dimensions are standard. After all, the frames for them produce specific parameters. When housing sizes are larger than specified, insects will build combs where they are not intended, and honey will be difficult to obtain. Also, do not take rotten and poorly insulated hives. And in general, it is better to go for such a purchase with a knowledgeable person. Otherwise, you should buy new hives.
Also, you can try to make them yourself. For this, materials such as wooden boards, plywood and foam are used. The main task of the master, who decided to make a bee house, is to maintain the exact internal dimensions.
Most popular designs
What is the most used bee house called? This is the Dadan-Blatt hive. It is made from spruce boards and is quite easy to use. This house holds 12 frames. With the growth of the bee family, their number can be increased. If the need arises, then shops with half-frames are placed on top of the main body. The bees overwinter in the nesting area. When spring comes, when the insect family increases, add stores or another enclosure.
In addition, Ruta's hive is very popular. It includes 6 cases, each of which can hold 10 frames. They build up gradually when the insects become crowded. When using such a hive, the bees multiply faster and produce more honey.
However, this dwelling has one drawback. Due to the frequent rearrangement of cases appearsthe possibility of hypothermia of the house, so it is better to start it in areas with a mild climate.
A little understanding of this issue, we can say that the ideal home for bees does not exist. Which option to choose should be decided by the beekeeper himself, taking into account his needs and capabilities.
