Increasing the heat resistance of a beehive through simple modifications
What you will learn here
We will describe possible solutions for improving the thermal insulation of a hive (bee house).
We will explain why thermal insulation is important and how it helps.
We will show you some specific solutions from our workshop and the workshops of our readers.
Introduction
On our website, you'll find recommendations on what a quality bumblebee nesting box (bumblebee house) should look like. HERE
One of its important properties is good thermal insulation. Therefore, in our instructions, you will find a procedure on how to create additional thermal insulation when you are preparing the hive for the season. HERE
A brief overview of thermal insulation
Although you insulate the transformer, it's important that it's not exposed to the sun. No amount of insulation will help it there, and even just part of the day when it's exposed to the sun will cause the temperature inside to rise.
Bear in mind that insulation itself does not cool or heat; it only slows down the equalisation of temperature between the internal and external environment. In the case of a queen bee, this is the equalisation of internal temperature with her surroundings. This is critical in the spring months when the nest is in its solitary phase, meaning the queen is alone. If the nest gets too cold, the brood may perish, and the queen may irrevocably abandon the nest without attempting to establish another.
It's important to have sufficient nesting material in the hive. This, thanks to its natural moisture and evaporation capabilities, will allow the hive to cool down, or in cold temperatures, to maintain the nest temperature within the required range.
If the object has no active temperature regulation, its temperature will always equalise. Thermal insulation will merely slow down this process to a greater or lesser extent.
A low-power heating cable heating solution has recently appeared on the market; we will wait for the results and write about it after the season.
I apologise to physicists and thermodynamics experts for a number of simplifications; these were made to simplify the description. 
How to improve thermal insulation
How to improve the thermal insulation of a small beehive
If you have perhaps acquired small hives, insulate them from the outside. These We generally do not recommend using small bowls., because their internal volume is not suitable for most nests. a strong nest simply won't fit in there.
Their manufacturer has already heard our calls and has ceased production – thank you!
Little fear can be cladding the exteriors with boards polystyrene, and flap and ventilation extend to beyond this insulation. However, polystyrene on its own is not a good material and so the shock will look unsightly after the season. It would therefore be necessary to address the surface protection of the insulation.
All of this is laborious, and the effect is not commensurate, which is why We do not recommend waste time. Invest work/money into a large, quality beehive.
How to improve the thermal insulation of a large beehive
If you have a large void, it's possible to fill it with polystyrene sheets 20 – 30 mm thick. This will still leave you with the necessary space for lining and a large nest.
The entire process is described above. HERE
Reflective foil supplementary insulation
You could perhaps use reflective foil for behind radiators. It has a thin thermal insulation layer and, importantly, aluminium foil. It therefore reflects light and radiated thermal energy – solar rays. This can be used, for example, where, by surprise, temporarily shines the passing sun, for example when passing through tree branches. This foil, however is not full thermal insulation. It is therefore not a solution if you perhaps want to place a surprise in a sunny spot (see above).
If you use material with a reflective film, you will achieve an interesting design and finish. We tested how bumblebees react to the reflective layer and it was perfectly OK. We did not record any problems such as bumped heads and antennae, or poor orientation of the bumblebees.
Please remember that a beehive belongs in the shade and not in the sun!
Application of additional thermal insulation
Get you:
a) insulating foil – reflective foil for behind radiators, reflective foil for cars, etc. (sold in rolls at hobby markets, etc.). MIRELON material is suitable, which combines approximately 5 mm of thermal insulating material with aluminium foil.
b) thin slats
c) small wood screws
d) stapler/a good stapler – alternatively double-sided sticky tape
Supplementary insulation of the hive: reflective foil behind radiators – MIRELON
Procedure
- Dismantle the ventilation grille, protective flap, wall-mounting system, etc. from the hive.
- Line the alarm with insulating film and secure it in the desired position using staples/double-sided adhesive tape.
- Adjust the size of the foil so it doesn’t obstruct you when fitting the roof etc.
- Fix the film at the edges and corners using thin strips and small screws
- Cut off the rest of the foil
- Create ventilation holes in the foil.
- Reassemble the ventilation, damper, etc.
Adjust the procedure according to your capabilities
Warning
- Reflective foil does not replace shading a wound – it is supplementary insulation.
- To ensure the effect, don't forget to place the insulating foil board on the roof as well and secure/weight it down.
- When handling a ulcer with reflective insulation, be careful – The film is prone to tearing (Repairs can be made with transparent adhesive tape)
- Foil for shock absorption Don't stick it, accept that you'll replace it with a new one after 1-2 seasons and patching it would made it complicated – which is why double-sided tape is very useful (see P. Krčová's tip)
Slight shock with additional insulation
from reflective foil behind radiators
Illustrative photo
Photo O. Hercog
Slight shock with additional insulation
from reflective foil behind radiators
Ventilation details
Photo O. Hercog
Radiator reflector foil supplementary insulation
Oil casing detail
Photo O. Hercog
Additional hive insulation reflective foil
Oil casing detail
Photo O. Hercog
Our inspiration was used by Martina Bradová. She used double-sided bubble film (for car windows), which also appear suitable thanks to the chambers creating good thermal insulation
Her husband and she had a play at home, and she fitted her insulation with a smart covering. Martina also beautifully decorated her insulation with drawings of bumblebees.
Martina used double-sided foil to reduce heat loss from the hive in cold weather. This is because there is a heating cable in the wall.
Supplementary thermal insulation bubble wrap
Photo M. Bradová
Supplementary thermal insulation bubble wrap
Photo M. Bradová
Supplementary thermal insulation bubble wrap
Photo M. Bradová