Unsuitable commercially available shelters (bee houses)
What you will learn here
- We will show you examples of commercially available incubators that cannot be recommended for purchase.
- We will briefly explain why these hives cannot be recommended.
- We will not name the manufacturer, as we are simultaneously motivating them to change their products to benefit both you and the bumblebees.
Don't hesitate to send us your findings if you don't find them here.
Last updated: 02/04/2024
- The required properties of the ulcers are listed HERE
- Therefore, take the time to choose a cot and avoid low-quality products
- However, a number of manufacturers, DIY enthusiasts and sellers are selling products that do not help bumblebees at all, and are more likely to endanger them.
- A suspiciously low price and a quality guide for breeders are indications of a low-quality product.
- The following products cannot be recommended for bumblebee breeding.
- We offered the manufacturers of the products listed here free cooperation on product modifications, but the offer was not accepted.
- If you can't decide which bee house to choose, ask bumblebee breeders, for example on our daughter website. Bumblebees PLUS – Discussion Forum
- If you encounter a suspicious product that is not listed on our website, please send us the information at info@cmelaciplus.cz.
Introduction
Our motivation is prevent disappointment, which can occur by buying an unsuitable product (a wasp/bumblebee nest).
Beginners often buy the first hive that „jumps out“ at them online. A wrong decision often leads to the premature demise of the hive, and only then does the beekeeper wonder where the mistake occurred and why it happened.
Our slogan „Buying a beehive is only the beginning“ should probably be amended to „Acquiring a good beehive is just the beginning.“
We cannot and do not want to advertise, but we will indirectly point to products that we expressly DO NOT RECOMMEND for bumblebee breeding
Yes, There are very few good manufacturers of hives/bee houses.. Most of the products are unsatisfactory. But Hopefully, we'll manage to convince the manufacturer to make a change. – we are working on it and You help us with your tips
So give to us Send information about products that have disappointed you, or you can see for yourselves that they are unsuitable at info@čmeláciplus.cz
Procedure for Choosing the right path will find HERE
Rules of cooperation for Bumblebees PLUS with manufacturers, who are interested in improving their products, you will find HERE
Thank you to everyone who cares about quality products for bumblebees and their safe home where they can successfully multiply – this is also very important help for nature.
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Products from the Čmeláci PLUS group DOES NOT RECOMMEND for bumblebee breeding
This list is radio we will supplement if you provide us with your tips
If The manufacturer will remove the defects, which we point out, we are happy for them from that list we will remove
We firmly believe that this our site is gradually disappearingThis happens when, until manufacturers understand their responsibility and they will only sell you products that do not have significant defects and do not endanger their inhabitants – legally protected bumblebees
Warning
If you have decided to get Hive/bumblebee nest to small producer, you will find yourself in a very complicated situation. We have browsed Czech websites and found a range of products for bumblebee breeders.
In the vast majority of cases, these are manufacturers who do not keep bumblebees themselves, but are all the more happy to produce hives for others. You can reliably recognise them by aggressive pricing and rows positive customer feedback.
But positive reviews are a trap. We know from the administrators of these sales portals thatA moderator can delete reviews and keep only those they like.. Likewise, you have a very difficult option to advertise such products.
If you decide to Buying a hive on online marketplaces typu fler.cz, bazos.cz, sbazar.cz, etc., Be very careful and consider your purchase thoroughly..
Classic úvahy – nepochopení
A number of manufacturers will embark on producing „ulk“ but end up with a "box with a hole", made in various sizes, of varying quality.
Why don't we deliver (common features)
- Unsatisfactory dimensions
- if the shock absorber is produced in small batches or made at home on the knee, then in its construction very often leaks and thus an open path for parasites
- Unsatisfactory material (often solid wood)
- absence Protective flaps
- absence Ventilation
- Ventilation with an inadequate grille, which parasites penetrate
- absence lids
- Unsatisfactory thermal lining
- absence Seal, or a structure that prevents the ingress of parasites into the hive
- light Roof
- roof without waterproofing
- tin roof – it's noisy in the rain and overheats on warm days
- Hallways and entrance halls in a hollow as a place where bumblebees defecate and which becomes a source of infection
- absence little foot / curtains atd,
- conviction that decorations and painting at the tip of the iceberg, its shortcomings are exported
- non-viability instructions invoking the belief „Buy a shock, put a bumblebee in it and THERE YOU GO“
- a good indicator, isAggressive price. A measure of this could be quality fright without a protective flap from you for the price Pod do 1400 – 1500 CZK, they won't deliver. nor manufacturers producing larger series – it just doesn't
Some moles need very little and will be fine = they will disappear from our websites. With others, this cannot be said...
Search on breeder forums reference a Are interested, before you pay the manufacturer the required money!
Specific examples
Bumblebee house
- The product in no way meets the requirements for bumblebee breeding in a hive.
- The manufacturer of these hives was contacted in 11/2020
- He has already responded and is interested in consultations aimed at improving ulcers; we will keep you informed of the progress.
Bee Balm – Green (PRICE 510 CZK)
Bumblebee House – Natural (PRICE 540 CZK)
Beehouse
- The product in no way meets the requirements for bumblebee breeding in a hive.
- The manufacturer was contacted on 30/11/2020
This shock cannot be repaired into a usable condition.
Beehive (PRICE 850 CZK)
Large natural bumblebee nest
- The product does not meet the requirements for bumblebee husbandry in a hive, but it can be modified.
- The wall is only 9mm plywood
- The diameter of the inlet pipe is 14 mm (it should be at least 18 mm).
- The ventilation cannot be closed (which is inconvenient for settling the mother) and it is fitted with a very coarse mesh.
- The manufacturer offers a shock absorber without warning that a protective flap is a recommended component.
- The manufacturer of these hives was contacted in 11/2020
- He did not respond by 12/01/2020 and was therefore warned that his product would be placed on this page until the defects were rectified.
- 1/2/2021 – The manufacturer responded by stating that they have an innovation ready and will be stocking the modified hives; according to their statement, they have incorporated many of our recommendations – we look forward to the result
If you have purchased this rattle and are unable to return it for any reason (e.g. it has already been used), we present a description of modifications you can make to restore it to a usable condition.
You can find the list of necessary modifications HERE
Large natural bumblebee house (PRICE 1165,-)
Beehouse (PRICE 1165 CZK)
Beehouse
- The product does not meet a number of parameters necessary for bumblebee breeding in a hive, but it can be modified.
- The manufacturer was contacted on 25/11/2020
- We are in negotiations with the manufacturer after making the necessary changes
Bumblebee house UNI (PRICE 1250 CZK)
Beehouse
- The product in no way meets the requirements for bumblebee breeding in a hive.
- The manufacturer was contacted on 12/11/2020
This shock cannot be repaired into a usable condition.
Bee boles (PRICE not stated)
Bumblebee house
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for bee husbandry in a hive.
- The manufacturer was contacted on 24/11/2020
- The manufacturer is not showing interest in making changes.
Bumblebee queen
- The product does not meet a number of parameters necessary for keeping bumblebees in a hive. However, it can be modified.
- The manufacturer was contacted on 25/11/2020
Queen bee (price not stated)
- The product in no way meets the requirements for bumblebee breeding in a hive.
This object cannot be restored to a usable condition.
Beehive including lid (PRICE 900 CZK)
- The product does not meet the requirements for bumblebee breeding in a hive.
This object cannot be restored to a usable condition.
Bee boles (PRICE not stated)
- The product in no way meets the requirements for bumblebee breeding in a hive.
This shock cannot be repaired into a usable condition.
Bee boles (PRICE 688 CZK)
- The product in no way meets the requirements for bumblebee breeding in a hive.
Bee house (PRICE 1900 CZK)
Bumblebee nest with roof
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for bee husbandry in a hive.
- The manufacturer of this quilt was contacted on 25/11/2020
- The seller contacted us, we will discuss improvements with them.
Bumblebee House With Roof (Price 834 CZK)
Natural wooden bumblebee house
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for bee husbandry in a hive.
- The manufacturer was contacted on 25/11/2020
Natural wooden bumblebee house (PRICE 714 CZK)
Beehouse
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for keeping bumblebees in a hive.
- The seller was contacted on 26/11/2020 and promised to withdraw the product from sale.
- On 27/11/2020, we sent all defects to the manufacturer. They promised to rectify them. We have taken the product information down from the website.
- Product information is being returned because the product is still on sale – no changes.
Beehive (PRICE 1528 CZK)
Miniature hives, or where a respectable bumblebee family won't fit...
The products do not meet a number of parameters required for bumblebee husbandry in a hive.
Why we do not recommend:
- these ulcers often show typical ulcer ailments, which are listed above
- Their main disadvantage is insufficient volume and often an unsuitable shape, which exacerbates the problem.
- In a small space, there isn't enough heat-retaining lining = bumblebees suffer from temperature fluctuations and humidity
- The mould easily gets to their nest
- If a species with a more numerous nest settles in a cavity, it will not fit into such a cavity.
These hives cannot be repaired into a usable condition.
Bee boles (PRICE not stated)
Bee hotel - Beehouse (PRICE not shown)
Bee house (PRICE 559 CZK)
Miniature bee house (no longer in production - thank you)
BEEHIVE – a hive for bumblebees
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for keeping bumblebees in a hive.
- 27/12/2020 – the manufacturer was contacted and recommendations were provided
- 28/12/2020 – The manufacturer rejected our recommendations for changes. They argue that their hives are suitable for bumblebees and they haven't observed any problems (e.g. Varroa mites).
- We regret such an approach, which endangers legally protected bumblebees in this hive and misleads novice breeders.
The manufacturer refuses to deal with the matter and us I can only warn you about this product and similar approaches
Bee hotel (PRICE 795 CZK)BEEHIVE - handmade, ECO-paint, solid wood
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for keeping bumblebees in a hive.
- The manufacturer cannot be contacted
BEEHIVE – Handmade ECO-paint solid wood (PRICE 1500 CZK)
Beehouse
- The product does not meet the requirements for bumblebee keeping in a hive.
- The manufacturer was contacted on 25/11
Beehive (PRICE 500 CZK)
Beehouse
- The product does not meet the requirements for bumblebee keeping in a hive.
- The manufacturer was contacted on 25/11
- The manufacturer responded and withdrew the product from sale.
Bee boles (PRICE not stated)
Bumblebee nesting box, bumblebee house
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for keeping bumblebees in a hive.
- The manufacturer cannot be contacted
Wooden bumblebee house, bumblebee nest (PRICE 350 CZK)
Bumblebee house
- The product does not meet the requirements for bumblebee keeping in a hive.
- The manufacturer was contacted on 17/11/2020
- The manufacturer responded on 29/11/2020 and refused to make modifications to the item.
This object cannot be restored to a usable condition.
Bumblebee house (PRICE 299 CZK)
Beehouse
- The product does not meet the requirements for bumblebee keeping in a hive.
- The manufacturer was contacted on 17/11/2020
- The manufacturer responded on 29/11/2020 and refused to make modifications to the item.
Beehive cottage (PRICE 369 CZK)
Bumblebee house
- The product does not meet the requirements for bumblebee keeping in a hive.
- The manufacturer was contacted on 17/11/2020
- The manufacturer responded on 29/11/2020 and refused to make modifications to the item.
This object cannot be restored to a usable condition.
Plastic corners and unfulfilled dreams
Why we don't recommend
- These hives generally have similar shortcomings to classic hives.
- This is compounded by insufficient thermal insulation in the thin plastic walls.
- condensation and dampness/flooding of the nest still occurs on the plastic ones
- plastic flaps (if not properly made) will cause problems for bumblebees when lifting the movable part of the flap
- The product in no way meets the requirements for bumblebee breeding in a hive.
- The manufacturer of these hives was contacted on 10/12/2020
- On 15/12/2020, we spoke to the manufacturer. They are considering withdrawing the product from the market or fundamentally reworking it.
This shock cannot be modified into a usable form.
Bumblebee house – plastic (Price 520 CZK)
How to misuse a crate and rename it to scare
- The product in no way meets the requirements for bumblebee breeding in a hive.
- The seller of these hives was approached on 24/02/2021
Beehouse (Price 499,- CZK)
Seller's photo
Ceramic kilns
These hives can only be described as ovens. Their only advantage is probably that they can withstand all the vagaries of the weather. Otherwise, however, they do not meet any of the requirements for a bumblebee nest.
However, you'll find them in a number of catalogues. People happily buy them and then give up after one season. In the best-case scenario, the beehives will replace the garden gnomes in the rockery/flowerbed...
This shock cannot be repaired into a usable condition.
Beehive-habitat for bumblebees (PRICE not stated)
Bee boles (PRICE not stated)
Beehouse
Unsuitable shapes and constructions – when a „good idea“ triumphs over common sense
In this section you will find articles that
- They have an unsuitable shape
- shortcomings in the design of the structure
- peculiarities that hinder bumblebee breeding
– the manufacturer of these products was contacted in 11/2020
Bumblebees PLUS – Bumblebee Hive, Beehouse – Large (PRICE 2,800 CZK)
Why we don't recommend
- Bumblebees cannot safely ascend a passage from the hive
- leaks in the construction (between the body and lid)
- Ventilation cannot be closed off / regulated.
- small ulcer volume
- access to the hive does not allow for inspection and intervention in the nest
Hexagonal shapes – why make it complicated and expensive when it can be so simple and cheaper...
Model, which we present first, is unfortunately a model and inspiration for other manufacturers who also lack experience with bumblebee rearing…
These honeycombs cannot be shaped into a usable form
Original beehives from Dílna (PRICE 590 CZK)
This manufacturer already we have been trying to convince for several years, so that the product is withdrawn from the market. The manufacturer is innovating this type – changing colours, burning text, modifying gift packaging, but has not eliminated the main shortcomings 🙁
His products have nice names: Mouse, Snow, Fern, Burgundy, Prometheus, Dijon, Original beehive with your own text, as well as its price of £590 to £840. No one wants to spend time dealing with complaints for that price...
Why we don't recommend
- Bumblebees cannot safely ascend the passage from the hive and can become trapped there.
- pitifully small volume of the hive
- absence of protective cover
- small diameter inlet pipe
- leaks in the construction (between the body and lid)
- Ventilation cannot be closed off / regulated.
- access to the hive via the front wall does not allow for inspection and intervention in the nest
- in the original pattern, in addition, thin walls (front wall approx. 5mm)
- Poor quality lining in small quantities
– the manufacturer of these products was contacted in 11/2020
Beehive for natural settlement (PRICE 890 CZK)
Why we don't recommend (with the exception of the above)
- Good inlet pipe diameter, but unsuitable inlet opening diameter
- Without a quality roof, water will leak into the hive.
Natural large beehive 30cm diameter (PRICE 1400 CZK)
Why we don't recommend (with the exception of the above)
- Bumblebees cannot safely ascend the passage from the hive and can become trapped there.
- Ventilation to an unclear structure is causing a draught that bumblebees are sensitive to.
- Feeder in the hive with instructions for feeding diluted bee honey – feeding with honey is not recommended, as it risks transmitting bee diseases to bumblebees.
Natural bumblebee house large diam. 30 cm width 19.5 cm (PRICE 1090 CZK)
Why we don't recommend (with the exception of the above)
- ventilation on the back of the flap = flap to close the opening you must remove from the hinge
Interesting but underdeveloped ideas – a shame…
The author of these hives tried to solve some problems of bumblebee farming, such as the overheating of the hive during high temperatures, or possible ant attacks.
When designing, however, he overlooked some aspects, which (unfortunately) turned the idea into a dead end.
Beehive
– the manufacturer of these products was contacted in 11/2020
These hives cannot be repaired into a usable condition.
Underground bumblebee nest for natural colonisation (PRICE 990 CZK)
Why don't you recommendWe are going
- Bumblebees cannot safely ascend the passage from the hive and can become trapped there.
- small ulcer volume
- absence of protective cover
- problematic ventilation unclear construction with no possibility of regulation
- water will condense in the plastic part and flood the nest (same in case of rainfall)
Garden bumblebee house with water protection against ants (PRICE 760 CZK)
Why don't you recommendwe use (except as aforesaid)
- A water hazard can be a trap for bumblebees
- The awning ties are a highway for ants and ruin all efforts to protect the hive.
- ulcer protection can be addressed differently – very easily and effectively (see our website)
Homemade beehives
These honeycombs probably don't belong here, they're not offered for sale. However, they often provide ideas on how to use a home 3D printer and make a honeycomb with it.
We don't want to insult the authors; their effort is commendable. Rather, we regret the time wasted in producing something that is problematic. Yet, it would have been enough to look at what a bumblebee shelter should look like, and a good, functional shelter would surely have been created.
- Small ulcer volume and insufficient thermal insulation
- ventilation is not led above the lining, but into it
- plastic flaps (if not correctly made) will cause problems for bumblebees when lifting the movable part of the flap (latch), their inclination is wrong
- The product in no way meets the requirements for bumblebee breeding in a hive.
We do not deliver
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