BBKA Forum

Am interesting article written by Derek Mitchell about hive designs we currently use and hive designs he believes are better for honey bees.


https://theconversation.com/amp/to-save-honey-bees-we-need-to-design-them-new-hives-121792

A linked study from the article.

Nectar, humidity, honey bees (Apis mellifera) and varroa in summer: a theoretical thermofluid analysis of the fate of water vapour from honey ripening and its implications on the control of Varroa destructor

https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2019.0048

I think that many people thing that the standard wooden design could be be better in some ways - whether it be Langstroth or National. I have always thought that to have a thin plywood top over the colony is not ideal. That's why a lot of beekeepers put insulation on the top.
It's good that Derek is championing new thinking with regard to hive design - and if it's done by science rather than a fad, then there's hope that benefits will flow.

Given Derek usually states the ideal insulation is 40mm of tree, I think log gums could be making a comeback..
/WRY GRIN/