Unsuitable commercially available beehives (bumblebees)
What you will learn here
- We will show you examples of commercially available hives that cannot be recommended for purchase
- We will briefly explain why these hives cannot be recommended
- We will not name the manufacturers because we are also motivating them to change their products to serve you and bumblebees
DON'T BE AFRAID TO SEND US YOUR FINDINGS IF YOU CAN'T FIND THEM HERE
Last updated: 4/2/2024
In a nutshell
- The required properties of the hives are listed HERE
- So take your time choosing a hive and avoid low-quality products
- However, many manufacturers, DIYers, and retailers sell products that do not help bumblebees at all, but rather endanger them
- Suspiciously low price and quality instructions for breeders indicate a poor quality product
- The following products are not recommended for bumblebee breeding
- We offered free cooperation to the manufacturers of the products listed here, but the offer was not accepted
- If you can't decide which hive to choose, ask bumblebee breeders, for example, on our subsidiary page Bumblebees PLUS - Discussion Forum
- If you come across a suspicious product that is not listed on our website, please send us the information at info@cmelaciplus.cz
English Abstract
- The desired characteristics of beehives are listed HERE
- So take the time to choose a beehive and avoid low-quality products
- However, a number of manufacturers, do-it-yourselfers and sellers sell products that do not help bumblebees at all, rather endanger them
- Suspiciously low price and quality instructions for breeders are indications of a low-quality product
- The following products cannot be recommended for breeding bumblebees
- We offered the manufacturers of the products listed here free cooperation in modifying the products, but the offer was not accepted
- If you can't decide which scarecrow to choose, ask bumblebee breeders, for example, on our subsidiary site Bumblebees PLUS – Discussion forum
- If you come across a suspicious product that is not listed on our website, please send us the information at info@cmelaciplus.cz
Introduction
Our motivation is to prevent disappointment that may occur by purchasing an unsuitable product (hive/bumblebee).
Beginners often buy the first nest that comes across them on the internet. A bad decision often leads to the premature demise of the nest, and only then does the breeder wonder where the mistake occurred and why it happened.
We should probably change our motto from "Getting a hive is just the beginning" to "Getting a good hive is just the beginning"
We cannot and do not want to advertise, but we will point out products that we expressly DO NOT RECOMMEND for bumblebee breeding.
Yes, there are very few quality beehive/bumblebee producers . Most of the products are unsatisfactory. But hopefully we will be able to convince the producers to change – we are working on it and you are helping us with your tips.
Therefore, send us information about products that disappointed you , or that you see yourself as unsatisfactory, to the address info@čmeláciplus.cz
You can find the procedure for choosing the right hive HERE
The rules of cooperation between Čmeláci PLUS and manufacturers who are interested in modifying their products can be found HERE
We thank everyone who cares about quality products for bumblebees and their safe home where they can reproduce successfully - this is also a very important help to nature.
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Products that the Bumblebee PLUS group DOES NOT RECOMMEND for bumblebee breeding
We would be happy to add to this list if you give us your tips.
If the manufacturer fixes the shortcomings we point out, we will be happy to remove
We firmly believe that this page of ours will gradually disappear . This will happen when manufacturers understand their responsibility and will only sell you products that will not have major defects and will not endanger their inhabitants - bumblebees protected by law.
Notice
If you have decided to buy a hive/bumblebee for a small-scale producer , you will find yourself in a very difficult situation. We have searched Czech websites and found a number of products for bumblebee breeders.
The vast majority of these are manufacturers who do not breed bumblebees themselves, but rather produce hives for others. You can reliably recognize them by their aggressive prices and a number of positive customer reactions .
But positive reviews are a trap. As administrators of these sales portals, we know that the seller can delete reviews and leave only those he likes . Likewise, you have a very difficult opportunity to complain about such products.
So if you decide to buy a hive on portals such as fler.cz, bazos.cz, sbazar.cz, etc., be very careful and consider your purchase carefully .
Classic hives – misunderstanding
Many manufacturers start making hives but end up with a "box with a hole", made in various sizes and of varying quality
Why we don't deliver (common signs)
- unsuitable dimensions
- If the hive is manufactured in small batches or at home on a knee, then there are often leaks , which opens the way for parasites.
- unsuitable material (often solid wood)
- absence of protective flap
- absence of ventilation
- ventilation with an inadequate grille , through which parasites can penetrate
- absence of eyelid
- inadequate thermal lining
- absence of a seal or structure that prevents paraziors from entering the hive
- light roof
- roof without waterproofing
- roof with a metal cover – noisy in the rain and overheats on warm days
- corridors and vestibules in the hive as a place where bumblebees defecate and which become sources of infection
- absence of legs / hinges etc.,
- the belief that decorations and painting on a hive compensate for its shortcomings
- the absence of usable instructions , leading to the belief "Buy a scarecrow, kill a bumblebee and that's it"
- A good indicator is a progressive price . The criterion can be the fact that even manufacturers producing larger series a quality shock without a protective flap for a price below 1400 - 1500 CZK - it is simply the best
Some hives are missing quite a bit and will be good = they will disappear from our site. For others, it is impossible to say..
references on breeder forums and be interested before you pay the manufacturer the requested money!
Specific examples
Bumblebee
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive at all
- The manufacturer of these hives was contacted 11/2020
- He has already responded and is interested in consultations aimed at improving the hives, we will inform you about the progress
Bumblebee plant – green (PRICE 510 CZK)
Bumblebee - natural (PRICE 540 CZK)
Bumblebee
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive at all
- The manufacturer was contacted on 30/11/2020
This shock cannot be adjusted to a usable state
Bumblebee (PRICE 850 CZK)
Large bumblebee natural
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive, but it can be modified
- the wall is made of plywood only 9mm
- the diameter of the intake pipe is 14 mm (should have been at least 18 mm)
- The ventilation cannot be closed (it is annoying when the mother sits down) and is equipped with a very coarse mesh
- The manufacturer offers a shock without warning that the protective flap is a recommended component
- The manufacturer of these hives was contacted 11/2020
- did not respond by 12/1/2020 and was therefore notified that his product would be placed on this page until the defects were fixed
- 1/2/2021 – The manufacturer responded by saying that it had an innovation ready and would be storing the modified hives; according to their statement, they used a number of our recommendations – we look forward to the result
If you purchased this item and for some reason cannot return it (for example, it has already been used), we present a description of the modifications that you can use to bring the item back into usable condition.
A description of the necessary adjustments can be found HERE
Large bumblebee, natural (PRICE 1165,-)
Bumblebee (PRICE 1165 CZK)
Bumblebee
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for breeding bumblebees in a hive, but it can be modified
- The manufacturer was contacted on 25/11/2020
- We are in talks with the manufacturer after making the necessary changes
Bumblebee UNI (PRICE 1250 CZK)
Bumblebee
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive at all
- The manufacturer was contacted on 12/11/2020
This shock cannot be adjusted to a usable state
Bumblebee (PRICE not stated)
Bumblebee
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for breeding bumblebees in a hive
- The manufacturer was contacted on 24/11/2020
- The manufacturer does not show interest in making changes
Bumblebee Queen
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for breeding bumblebees in a hive. However, it can be modified
- The manufacturer was contacted on 25/11/2020
Bumblebee Queen (PRICE not stated)
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive at all
That rambler cannot be repaired to a usable state
Bumblebee including husk (PRICE 900 CZK)
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive
That rambler cannot be repaired to a usable state
Bumblebee (PRICE not stated)
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive at all
This shock cannot be adjusted to a usable state
Bumblebee (PRICE 688 CZK)
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive at all
Bumblebee (PRICE 1900 CZK)
Bumblebee with a Roof
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for breeding bumblebees in a hive
- The manufacturer of this hive was contacted on 25/11/2020
- The seller has contacted us, we will discuss the improvement proposal with them
Bumblebee With Roof (Price 834 CZK)
Bumblebee wooden natural
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for breeding bumblebees in a hive
- The manufacturer was contacted on 25/11/2020
Wooden bumblebee, natural (PRICE 714 CZK)
Bumblebee
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for breeding bumblebees in a hive
- The seller was contacted on 26/11/2020, he promised to withdraw the product from sale
- We sent all the shortcomings to the manufacturer on 27/11/2020, he promised to fix it, we downloaded the product information from the website
- We are returning the product information because the product is still on sale - without modifications
Bumblebee (PRICE 1528 CZK)
Miniature hives or where a decent bumblebee family can't fit..
The products do not meet a number of parameters required for breeding bumblebees in a hive
Why we don't recommend:
- these hives often exhibit the ailments of classic hives, which are listed above
- Their main disadvantage is insufficient volume and often an inappropriate shape, which exacerbates the problem
- there is not enough heat-retaining lining in a small space = bumblebees suffer from temperature fluctuations and humidity
- This mold can easily reach their nest
- If a species with a larger nest settles in a hive, it will not fit in such a hive
These hives cannot be repaired to a usable condition
Bumblebee (PRICE not stated)
Bumblebee hive – bumblebee hive (PRICE not stated)
Bumblebee house (PRICE 559 CZK)
Small bumblebee (no longer produced – thank you)
Bumblebee – hive for bumblebees
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for breeding bumblebees in a hive
- 27/12/2020 – the manufacturer was contacted and provided with recommendations
- 28/12/2020 – The manufacturer rejected our recommendation for changes. He argues that bumblebees are happy with his hives and he has not observed any problems (parasites infesting the hive).
- We regret this approach, which puts legally protected bumblebees in such a hive at risk and misleads novice beekeepers.
The manufacturer refuses to address the matter and we have no choice but to warn you against this product and similar approaches.
Bumblebee (PRICE 795 CZK)ČMELÍN – handmade, ECO-paint, solid wood
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for breeding bumblebees in a hive
- The manufacturer cannot be contacted
ČMELÍN – handmade ECO-coating solid wood (PRICE 1500 CZK)
Bumblebee
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive
- The manufacturer was contacted on 25/11
Bumblebee (PRICE 500 CZK)
Bumblebee
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive
- The manufacturer was contacted on 25/11
- The manufacturer responded and withdrew the product from the offer
Bumblebee (PRICE not stated)
Wooden box for bumblebees, bumblebee house
- The product does not meet a number of parameters required for breeding bumblebees in a hive
- The manufacturer cannot be contacted
Wooden box for bumblebees (PRICE 350 CZK)
Bumblebee
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive
- The manufacturer was contacted on 17/11/2020
- The manufacturer responded on 29/11/2020 and refused to make any adjustments to the hive
That rambler cannot be repaired to a usable state
Bumblebee (PRICE 299 CZK)
Bumblebee
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive
- The manufacturer was contacted on 17/11/2020
- The manufacturer responded on 29/11/2020 and refused to make any adjustments to the hive
Bumblebee (PRICE 369 CZK)
Bumblebee
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive
- The manufacturer was contacted on 17/11/2020
- The manufacturer responded on 29/11/2020 and refused to make any adjustments to the hive
That rambler cannot be repaired to a usable state
Plastic hives and unfulfilled dreams
Why we don't recommend
- These hives usually have similar shortcomings as classic hives
- Added to this is the insufficient thermal insulation of the thin plastic wall
- on plastic ones there is still heavy dew and wetting/flooding of the nest
- plastic flaps (if not made correctly) will cause problems for bumblebees when lifting the moving part of the flap (flap)
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive at all
- The manufacturer of these hives was contacted on 10/12/2020
- On 15/12/2020 we spoke to the manufacturer, who is considering withdrawing the product from the market, or possibly fundamentally redesigning it
This scare cannot be edited into a usable form
Bumblebee – plastic (Price 520 CZK)
How to exploit a crate and rename it to a scarecrow
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive at all
- The seller of these hives was contacted on 24/02/2021
Bumblebee (Price 499,- CZK)
Seller's photo
Ceramic kilns
These hives can probably be called nothing other than ovens. Their only advantage is that they can withstand all the vagaries of the weather. Otherwise, they do not meet any of the requirements for a hive for bumblebees.
Still, you can find them in the catalog. People like to buy them and give up after one season. In the best case scenario, the hives will replace the gypsum dwarfs in the rock garden/flower bed..
This shock cannot be adjusted to a usable state
Bumblebee-hive for bumblebees (PRICE not stated)
Bumblebee (PRICE not stated)
Bumblebee
Inappropriate shapes and constructions – when a “good idea” triumphs over common sense
In this section you will find hives that
- have an inappropriate shape
- structural design flaws
- oddities that prevent bumblebee breeding
– the manufacturer of these products was contacted 11/2020
Bumblebees PLUS – Bumblebee hive, bumblebee house – large (PRICE 2,800 CZK)
Why we don't recommend
- bumblebees cannot safely climb out of the hive through the corridor
- leaks in the structure (between the body and the lid)
- ventilation does not allow closure/regulation
- small hive volume
- Access to the hive does not allow inspection and intervention in the nest
Hexagonal shapes – why not make it complicated and expensive when it can be so simple and cheaper…
The model we present first is unfortunately a model and inspiration for other manufacturers who also have no experience with bumblebee breeding...
These hives cannot be adjusted into a usable shape
Original bumblebees from the Workshop (PRICE 590 CZK)
this manufacturer to withdraw the product from the market for several years . The manufacturer innovates this type – changes colors, burns text, modifies gift packaging, but has not eliminated the main shortcomings 🙁
His products have nice names: - Mouse, Snow, Fern, Burgundy, Prometheus, Dijon, Original bumblebee with its own text and also sex price from 590 to 840, - No one wants to spend time on a complaint for this..
Why we don't recommend
- bumblebees cannot safely climb out of the hive through the corridor and may become trapped there
- pitifully small hive volume
- absence of protective flap
- small inlet pipe diameter
- leaks in the structure (between the body and the lid)
- ventilation does not allow closure/regulation
- Access to the hive through the front wall does not allow inspection and intervention in the nest
- in the original pattern, extra thin walls (front wall approx. 5mm)
- poor quality lining in small quantities
– the manufacturer of these products was contacted 11/2020
Bumblebee for natural settlement (PRICE 890 CZK)
Why we don't recommend it (in addition to the above)
- Apparently the inlet pipe diameter is good, but the inlet hole diameter is inappropriate
- lack of a quality roof, the hive will leak
Natural large bumblebee diameter 30cm (PRICE 1400 CZK)
Why we don't recommend it (in addition to the above)
- bumblebees cannot safely climb out of the hive through the corridor and may become trapped there
- ventilation of an unclear structure causes drafts, to which bumblebees are sensitive
- a feeder in the hive and instructions for feeding with diluted honey – feeding with honey is not recommended, there is a risk of transmitting bee diseases to bumblebees
Natural bumblebee large diameter 30 cm width 19.5 cm (PRICE 1090 CZK)
Why we don't recommend it (in addition to the above)
- ventilation on the back of the hive = the hive must be removed from the hinge to close the opening..
Interesting but ill-conceived ideas – too bad…
The author of these hives tried to solve some of the problems of bumblebee breeding, such as overheating of the hive during high temperatures or possible ant attacks.
However, he overlooked some aspects in his proposal, which (unfortunately) turned the idea into a dead end
Bumblebee hive/bumblebee/…
– the manufacturer of these products was contacted 11/2020
These hives cannot be repaired to a usable condition
Ground bumblebee for natural habitat (PRICE 990 CZK)
Why we don't recommend it
- bumblebees cannot safely climb out of the hive through the corridor and may become trapped there
- small hive volume
- absence of protective flap
- problematic ventilation, unclear design, no possibility of regulation
- Water will collect in the plastic part and flood the nest (same in the case of rainfall)
Garden Bumblebee with water protection against ants (PRICE 760 CZK)
Why we don't recommend it (in addition to the above)
- a water obstacle can be a trap for bumblebees
- The strings used to secure the roof are a path for ants and thwart all efforts to protect the hive
- Hive protection can be solved differently – very easily and effectively (see our website)
Homemade beehives
These hives probably don't belong here, they are not offered for sale. However, they are often ideas on how to use a home 3D printer to make a hive.
We don't want to insult the authors, their efforts are commendable. We rather feel sorry for the time wasted on producing something that is problematic. However, it would be enough to look at what a bumblebee hive should look like and a good functional hive would certainly be created.
- Small hive volume and insufficient thermal insulation
- ventilation is not directed above the lining, but into it
- plastic flaps (if not made correctly) will cause problems for bumblebees when lifting the moving part of the flap (flap), their inclination is wrong
- The product does not meet the requirements for keeping bumblebees in a hive at all
WE DO NOT DELIVER
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