Hive modifications – Example 1

Recommendations from the Čmeláci PLUS group for hive modification

Text from email to manufacturer (sent 14/1/2021)

Hive construction

• Looks sturdy, internal dimensions are ok.
• We do not recommend using solid wood (it deforms with moisture), but it seems that the structure should be able to withstand it (the humidity in the hive is above 90% for several months)
• The wall thickness is good, at least 25 mm .
• We didn't measure the thickness of the bottom, so it is also important and should be the same as the thickness of the walls.

Recommendation:

• What is the thickness of the bottom? If it is like the walls then it is ok, otherwise we recommend increasing it, or
• Provide the nest with additional removable insulation, such as polystyrene.
  However, this must be replaced after the season, as parasites can settle in it.. 

Roof

• We don't know how durable the material is, but if it's made of waterproof plywood, has a good coating and is maintained, it should be ok (maintenance is in the instructions)
• The problem is the insufficient thickness of the material – 9 mm is terribly little for thermal insulation .
• Plus, it's extremely light and can be blown away by the wind.
• There is a relatively small overhang on the hive, the roof looks good, but water flows over it and onto the hive walls. …

Recommendation:

• Use thicker waterproof plywood for the roof (18mm concrete plywood is also suitable), the roof will be durable, heavy, will rest on the seal and will not be blown away by the wind.
• Insert a removable thermal insulation insert into the roof. 
• Removing the insulation is important because in the summer the roof can be used to cool the hive (wet rag/ice on the roof) and thermal insulation would reduce the cooling effect
• It is also advisable to have a frame in the roof, in which there is an insulation insert. Then the roof will sit at the same height even after removal and will not rub against the ventilation hole. This way the hole can be as high as possible (very important)

Learn more about the roof HERE

Beehive body

• a seal on the perimeter of the body or on the roof contact surface .
• Leaks (deformation, construction, etc.) lead to the penetration of parasites and the destruction of the nest, even a 1 mm gap is a serious problem, 0.5 mm sometimes too 

Recommendation:

• Provide the upper contact surface (perimeter) with a soft, low seal the width of the hive wall
• The seal should not be made of foam (foam degrades) and it should not be unnecessarily high (otherwise bumblebees will bite through it)
• For example, Tessa self-adhesive seals are suitable 

Learn more about sealing HERE

Vent

• used prevents bumblebees from biting through it = ok
• But is it made of aluminum/stainless steel so it doesn't rust?
• It is unnecessarily thin , parasites can easily penetrate the hive
• The ventilation lacks closure. This is a big problem when populating the hive and also in cold weather, etc.
• The opening is also relatively small
• The opening should be as high as possible (see roof)
• The ventilation hole cannot be cleaned.
• The inner mesh is very easily attached 

Recommendation:

• Enlarge the opening to 50mm (necessary for sufficient ventilation when using Uhelon 53S).
• Replace the nets with thicker ones, aluminum insect netting made of aluminum is suitable (available at hobby stores)
• Under the inner mesh, place a technical mesh that even the small parasitic wasp Melittobia acasta cannot penetrate – The material needed is UHELON 53S (this density!)
• The design must be such that the mandibles of the bumblebees cannot reach the Uhelon and damage it
• The opening needs to be provided with a closure (lid/cap) with the possibility of gradual and complete closure
• At least one side of the ventilation should be removable so that the keeper has the chance to clean the opening after the season of parasites, dirt, cobwebs, and wax buildup from bumblebees 

Read more about the vent HERE

Entrance hall

• The material is okay
• The hive uses an insufficient internal diameter (lumen) of 14 mm, at least 18 mm is needed, preferably 25 mm
• The hallway is short and inconveniently located

Recommendation:

• Replace the corridor with a larger one, at least 18 mm+
• The corridor was supposed to be easily removable, meaning at least its opening into the wall could be pulled out  
• The corridor should lead along the walls and end there. If it leads during the day, the keeper will not be able to reach it when the hive is occupied

Read more about the entrance hall HERE

Protective flap

• The hive includes a protective flap, preferably as mandatory equipment.
• If you offer the hive without a protective flap, many people will buy it "as pictured" and their bumblebee nest will be attacked by parasites and will die prematurely  
• Placing a flap on the hive, as you write in the instructions, is not a solution. After settling in, another mother can attack and kill her in a fight for the hive. The flap should therefore be on the hive immediately and the mother must get used to the flap very quickly (parade with the flap closed) 

Recommendation:

• Put a photo of a beehive with a flap on your eShop
• Do it like other eShops - there, when purchasing, the recommended component (here, the flap) is automatically inserted and if the customer wants to remove it and at the same time accept the notification; Customers will buy more flaps
• Instruct customers that without a flap their breeding will go badly and they should buy a flap from you/elsewhere 

Read more about the protective flap HERE

Solutions for erecting a hive or hanging it on a wall

• The keeper should be able to place the hive on a mat or similar (the hive should have screw feet that can be used to protect against ants) or
• Wall hangings (ditto) 

Recommendation

• Add these parts to the story or give users instructions  

Learn more about hive placement HERE

Manufacturer's instructions

• The instructions are very brief or missing (see the flap)
• In addition to the mother's settlement, many more situations are needed and the hive and the nest in it need to be taken care of
• Protection against parasites, such as ants, must also be addressed
• The cotton lining must be adjusted (to prevent the presence of long fibers) and also placed in the hive in a certain way.
• We are familiar with the book you are offering, as well as the author. We agree with him on many points, but we cannot agree with some techniques (e.g. breeding bumblebees without protective flaps...)

Recommendation

• Supplement the instructions for breeders, or refer them to the breeder's website, for example www.cmelaciplus.cz

Instructions for breeding bumblebees can be found HERE