Breeding bumblebees on a grid - a mesh that solves moisture drainage
Author of the solution (idea) : various solutions, modification Čmeláci PLUS
Tested in practice: yes
Test results: we are waiting for the results
Group of keepers for whom the tool is suitable: no restrictions
Justification: High humidity in the nest sometimes causes water to accumulate in the lower part of the hive - along the walls; Karel and other keepers use a grate on the bottom of the hive so that the moisture is separated and does not bother the inhabitants of the hive. This solution is one of the options for how to easily make such a net.
Last updated: 9/3/2022
Humidity in the hive – does it matter/does it matter?
Humidity is a natural part of a bumblebee nest . Imagine a nest in the ground, it is always humid. The nest takes this into account, it even likes humidity around 80%. In a dry environment, the development of the larvae would stop.
Some species, however, nest peacefully under the roof or in tree hollows. There is not so much moisture there, but bumblebees manage to cope with it. It is not known exactly how, but apparently a stable microclimate is essential for them and a sufficient amount of lining helps . It is not known that bumblebees can carry water into the hive, as bees do. But it cannot be ruled out. Sometimes there is so much water in the hive that they probably can do it.
We measured the humidity in the hive over a long period of time. We measured the humidity of 90-100% routinely – on the surface of the lining . Even though the nest was damp on the surface, the inside of the lining was mostly “dry”, i.e. without visible traces of excessive humidity .
If there is a sufficient amount of lining , the workers will keep the wax nest in good condition. If there are enough workers in the nest, they clean the wax work from mold and everything is as it should be. Mold, dirt and sometimes even fungi can be found on the surface of the lining . Despite this, the nest is clean and healthy inside. On the contrary - if there is little lining in the nest , mold will soon penetrate to the nest . Especially "black mold " has a negative effect on the development of the nest.
In sufficient quantities, the lining acts as thermal insulation and protects the nest from temperature changes. It can also maintain a microclimate and maintain good conditions, including humidity. Evaporation of moisture on warm days will lower the temperature by a few degrees. Similarly, the workers create corridors in the lining and apparently manage to regulate the temperature to some extent. They then react to higher temperatures by swirling their wings.
So don't skimp on the lining . If you fill the hive up to the ventilation hole, it will help the bumblebees. The bumblebees will throw out the excess lining, or the keeper will help them.
We recommend filling the shelter at least 3/4 of the space, but in such a way that the ventilation hole is not covered.
What about excess moisture at the bottom?
Humidity in the hive is mainly found on the walls - here the air humidity of the warm nest condenses on the cold walls, especially if the hive does not have good thermal insulation. This can be helped if you line the hive with polystyrene boards , or construct the hive so that it has good thermal properties. One such solution is HERE or HERE .
The use of Mirelon insulation foil has proven very successful. It acts not only as additional insulation, but also as an effective surface finish. You can read about this solution HERE .
Furthermore, moisture will also remain on the surface of the lining . This is often caused by condensation from the ceiling . There are solutions here too, for example HERE . Good thermal insulation of the roof reduces water condensation and its dripping into the nest .
Even after the modifications, condensation will still form in the hive , but there will be less .
Part of the moisture is removed by good ventilation of the hive. However, drafts cannot be allowed, as they bother bumblebees . You can read about ventilation HERE . Excess moisture is removed well with the help of a ventilation extension . However, it has a number of limitations . You can read about the extension HERE .
Humidity in the hive is therefore natural and to a certain extent does not matter. The condensate flows down the walls and is held in the lining - especially on the sides and at the bottom . At the bottom, it often reaches the corridor, or its mouth. This is where dirt from the nest and bumblebee feces . Bumblebee feces are left mainly where the bottom is not covered by the lining . Then a rather unsightly and smelly substance often passes through the corridor.
So let's try to help them a little
Moisture separation mesh
Beekeepers sometimes put moss on the bottom of the hive. If the humidity is low, or if you change the moss, some of the moisture will be removed. However, if there is too much moisture , the moss will rot and smell.
Some beekeepers, such as Karel Kučera, use a grid instead of placing the lining directly on the bottom. This is a wooden frame on which the beekeeping mesh is suspended. The grid is placed on the bottom of the hive and creates free space under the bottom layer of the lining . If there is a lot of moisture, the water drains under this grid and the lining is not as exposed to moisture. Some of the bumblebee parasites will also fall through the grid and remain there, which is why Karel Kučera does not recommend using Lepinox or other tapes under the grid because it is also a risk for the bumblebees. Only mites and Antherophagus pallens larvae fall down; if we give them a piece of polystyrene as bait, the Antherophagus larvae will remain here. Karel has a proven and tested mesh filling made of beekeeping mesh. It is a zinc or galvanized (suffices) wire that is woven into the mesh. The key parameters are the wire thickness of 0.8mm, ensuring the strength of the net and easy post-season maintenance and durability of the net. The mesh size is 3.15 x 3.15mm, which is a size that allows enough parasites to fall through and at the same time does not cause difficulties for bumblebees to move around the grid. The mesh size also ensures sufficient breathability. The mentioned mesh is available in stores with beekeeping supplies. We always lay a compacted layer of moss on such a grid, not directly a lining, which, for example, the bumblebee rearranges and small workers could fall down during this activity. (This does not happen with moss). More about the grid construction here .
Not everyone is up for a complex hive. So we thought of making a simple mesh for moisture separation even for classic hives and we will test this solution.
We will inform you about the test results.
Production instructions
It is easy to make and doesn't require instructions, just a few notes and photos
Material
- wooden slats
- screws and wood glue
- stainless steel mesh – beekeeping mesh 3.15/0.8 – stainless steel
– the mesh is commonly available in beekeeping shops,
alternative clay mesh (insect net) – has a mesh size of approx. 1 mm
– the mesh is available as an insect net in hobby shops - staple gun / larger stapler
Procedure
- Just make a frame out of battens. It's worth gluing the joints and connecting them with screws.
- The dimensions of the frame should be such that there is a gap of about 5mm around the perimeter (the hive is lined with cardboard).
This is enough to comfortably insert and remove the frame even if it swells due to moisture.
It is necessary to test and adjust the dimensions according to your hive. - The screen should not interfere with the placement of the passage (tube). If necessary, move the opening in the hive above the screen.
- Attach the clay mesh to the frame.
A staple gun is the best way to attach it. - It is advisable to secure the edges of the net, for example with adhesive tape.
Sharp edges of the net can injure both the beekeeper and the bumblebees. - Attach the curtains to the frame in a similar way, as the frame can be removed using these.
This can be done well using clamps, as well as the netting. - Tests that the frame can be removed freely
Notes on the nets used
- If you use thicker beekeeping mesh, parasites will fall through the mesh more reliably.
- This mesh is a little more difficult to work with, but it is indestructible
- If you use a fine mesh, the parasite penetration will be less, but it will be sufficient for moisture removal
Construction
- Line the hive with cardboard, the procedure is HERE
You don't need to line the new hive with cardboard, let the bumblebees smell it - Insert the separation mesh
- You can place a little Lignocel in a cloth bag under the net, it absorbs water.
Be careful, Lignocel can increase its volume significantly when absorbing water, use only enough so that it does not lift the net. - Attach the entrance passage to the hive wall.
Use screws or make a wooden part, as shown in the photo. - Adjust the bumblebee lift so that it does not cover the entire mesh, so that water can get around it and under the mesh
- Next, prepare the dough using the standard procedure
You can read about the bumblebee elevator HERE
A simple frame made of wooden slats. If they are coated with waterproof varnish, they will last longer. The net is attached with clamps.
Nest net – frame
Photo: O. Hercog 3/2022
Nest net – frame
Photo: O. Hercog 3/2022
The edges of the frame are covered with “silver tape for everything.” You won’t get hurt when handling it – neither you nor the bumblebees
Net under the nest - frame with net - upper side
Photo: O. Hercog 3/2022
Net under the nest - frame with net - underside
Photo: O. Hercog 3/2022
The separation mesh is in place. The clearance that allows the mesh to be inserted and removed is important. A clearance of 5 mm is sufficient.
In the second picture, the corridor (here the black pipe) is installed. The bumblebee elevator is reduced in size so that water can pass around it under the mesh.
PLUS bees – Net under the nest – frame with net – placement in the hive – Photo: O. Hercog 3/2022
Net under the nest - frame with net and bumblebee elevator Photo: O. Hercog 3/2022
Conclusion
If you have your own proven solutions, please write to us. We will be happy to share functional solutions so that other breeders can use them as well.