Proven materials for beehive builders
What you will find here
- Do you make or modify beehives for bumblebees?
- Are you looking for certified materials?
- Do you have proven materials yourself and want to share them with others?
Introduction
In this section, we will introduce you to materials and parts that have proven themselves in beehive modifications and repairs.
We will gradually fill out the chapter as we gain more good tips on things that will help you in breeding.
We would also be happy to receive your tips and suggestions. However, please make sure that these are things that have worked for you and will last at least the entire season
Adhesive tapes
You need adhesive tapes, for example, when gluing the inner walls of the hive with cardboard.
Requirements for adhesive tapes:
- resistance to increased humidity (up to 90-100% humidity)
- adhesion to paper and wood
- bite resistance
Adhesive tapes – proven types
We present examples of adhesive tapes that have proven successful in gluing the inner walls of the hive with cardboard.
ROXOLID adhesive tape
3M adhesive tape
Adhesive tape
ROXOLID adhesive tape
TESA adhesive tape
PATTEX adhesive tape
Adhesive tapes – we test
We are also testing other at the same time . If they work for us, we will update our recommendations.
We look forward to your recommendations and proven tips.
Adhesive tape - painter's tape
WE ARE JUST TESTING IT FOR NOW
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Seal
Finding the right seal for your hive is quite a science. You need a seal at least to seal the roof, but also to seal the accessories to the hive.
Here we will also introduce you to the seals that have proven to be successful for us and we will be happy to add to it the seals that you have tried and were satisfied with so that you will recommend them to other breeders.
Sealing requirements:
- resistance to increased humidity (up to 90-100% humidity)
- adhesion to paper and wood
- resistance to bumblebee bites
- weather resistance
- The seal must be soft and flexible to fill gaps and seal irregularities and changes in the shape of the roof/other parts of the hive
Gaskets – proven types
Beehive seal – TESA
Self-adhesive hive seal like a sleeping mat – ŘEMPO
Hive gasket – fan gasket
Good seal, but prone to damage
Hive seal – foam
The seal is susceptible to damage and only lasts one year (then it degrades due to UV radiation)
Anti-slip tapes for protective flaps
The protective cover is an important part of the hive (bumblebee). To make it easier for bumblebees to lift the flap (the movable part of the protective cover), it is a good idea to roughen the climbing surface a little .
This can be solved by making fine scratches with the tip of a sharp knife (always only the part that the flap does not touch).
You can also use fine Velcro (not the part with the fibers) and paint it over with a layer of paint to strengthen it . Velcro is also available as a self-adhesive strip .
When adjusting the protective flap, however, follow the instructions given in the section Protective flap . Be very careful not to damage the flap. It is enough for the flap to not fit sufficiently on the flap body and then it is the same as if it had not been used on the hive.
Self-adhesive anti-slip tape for stairs has proven to be a good solution . It can be purchased at a hobby store or even at IKEA (there as Patrull).
Procedure:
- It is worth removing the flap sides during application, it will make your work easier and more precise.
- Also clean the body of the flap from dirt and degrease the area where you will stick the tape so that the tape sticks well.
- The tape can also be secured with a clamp – one or two clamps are enough.
- After the season, it is advisable to replace the tape with a new one instead of laborious cleaning.
to check the flap regularly during the season to make sure the tape is holding well!
Bumblebees PLUS – Anti-slip tape for stairs
Photo O. Hercog 2020
Bumblebees PLUS – Anti-slip tape for stairs
Photo O. Hercog 2020
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