The document provides an overview of beekeeping essentials, focusing on the standard 10-frame Langstroth hive, its components, and configurations for managing honey bee colonies. It details the functions of various parts like the bottom board, hive bodies, honey supers, and queen excluders, emphasizing their roles in supporting bee health and productivity. Additionally, it discusses feeding methods and the use of smokers for hive manipulation, making it a comprehensive guide for both novice and experienced beekeepers.

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BeekeepersBeekeepers
Derrick DevereuxDerrick Devereux
~~
BeekeeperBeekeeper

3. Chapter 3Chapter 3
The Bee Hive and itsThe Bee Hive and its
AccessoriesAccessories
A “colony” of honey bees is theA “colony” of honey bees is the
biological term for a nest of Apisbiological term for a nest of Apis
mellifera.mellifera.
A “hive” is a man-made containerA “hive” is a man-made container
designed to house a colony.designed to house a colony.

4. This section deals with the American version ofThis section deals with the American version of
the standard 10 frame Langstroth Hive.the standard 10 frame Langstroth Hive.
Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth, patented hisLorenzo Lorraine Langstroth, patented his
moveable-frame Hive in 1852. Designed on themoveable-frame Hive in 1852. Designed on the
preservation of certain minimum distancespreservation of certain minimum distances
between combs. Bee space 1/4 to 3/8 inches isbetween combs. Bee space 1/4 to 3/8 inches is
necessary to permit bee movement. To smallnecessary to permit bee movement. To small
an area, bees fill it with propolis; gap space isan area, bees fill it with propolis; gap space is
greater bees build extra comb. The simple boxgreater bees build extra comb. The simple box
shape permitted standardizing and mechanizingshape permitted standardizing and mechanizing
of handling. In short, the intractable problem ofof handling. In short, the intractable problem of
practical bee management had been solved.practical bee management had been solved.

5. The Bottom Board is the floor of the colony. ItThe Bottom Board is the floor of the colony. It
consists of floor boards set into two side railsconsists of floor boards set into two side rails
with a block of wood across the back. There iswith a block of wood across the back. There is
a gap at the front to provide an entrance for thea gap at the front to provide an entrance for the
colony. The grooves in the side rails thatcolony. The grooves in the side rails that
accommodate the floor boards are off-center.accommodate the floor boards are off-center.
This provides two possible settings, one withThis provides two possible settings, one with
narrow entrance and one wider. The Bottomnarrow entrance and one wider. The Bottom
board should be placed up off the ground onboard should be placed up off the ground on
blocks or similar water-proof material.blocks or similar water-proof material.
Bottom BoardBottom Board

6. Bottom BoardBottom Board
Wide Entrance Position. ThisWide Entrance Position. This
position is more common and hasposition is more common and has
the advantage of accommodatingthe advantage of accommodating
a Boardman feeder.a Boardman feeder.
Narrow Entrance Position.Narrow Entrance Position.

7. Since the late 1990s there has beenSince the late 1990s there has been
increases interest in the use of Bottomincreases interest in the use of Bottom
Boards with screen floors instead of solid.Boards with screen floors instead of solid.
There is evidence that screen floorsThere is evidence that screen floors
increase brood production and reduce theincrease brood production and reduce the
growth rate of parasitic varroa mites andgrowth rate of parasitic varroa mites and
small hive beetles. Also known as IPMsmall hive beetles. Also known as IPM
bottom boards.bottom boards.
Screened Bottom BoardScreened Bottom Board

8. Screened Bottom BoardScreened Bottom Board
Screened bottom board inScreened bottom board in
place below a hive body.place below a hive body.
Screened bottom board.Screened bottom board.

9. Directly on top of the bottom board goesDirectly on top of the bottom board goes
one or twoone or two hive bodieshive bodies,, sometimes calledsometimes called
deep supersdeep supers. The deep size provides for. The deep size provides for
broad, uninterrupted egg-laying space forbroad, uninterrupted egg-laying space for
the queen, and as such this space isthe queen, and as such this space is
sometimes called thesometimes called the brood nestbrood nest. This is. This is
the heart of the colony. It is here that thethe heart of the colony. It is here that the
queen produces brood and most of thequeen produces brood and most of the
management occurs that dictatesmanagement occurs that dictates
success or failure for the beekeeper.success or failure for the beekeeper.
Hive BodiesHive Bodies

10. The purpose of honey supers is toThe purpose of honey supers is to
provide storage space for honey. As theprovide storage space for honey. As the
name implies, supers are above, orname implies, supers are above, or
“superior” to the brood nest. Honey“superior” to the brood nest. Honey
supers come in one of two sizes: Mediumsupers come in one of two sizes: Medium
depth of 6-5/8 inches and a Shallowdepth of 6-5/8 inches and a Shallow
depth of 5-3/8 inches. A third exist, at 4-depth of 5-3/8 inches. A third exist, at 4-
3/4 inches but is for comb honey3/4 inches but is for comb honey
exlusively.exlusively.
Honey SupersHoney Supers

11. Hive Bodies/SupersHive Bodies/Supers
The standard super sizes, from the bottom up: a deep super orThe standard super sizes, from the bottom up: a deep super or
hive body, medium honey super, and shallow honey super.hive body, medium honey super, and shallow honey super.
Shallow Super 5-3/8” depthShallow Super 5-3/8” depth
Medium Super 6-5/8” depthMedium Super 6-5/8” depth
Deep Super(Hive Body)Deep Super(Hive Body)
9-5/8” depth9-5/8” depth

12. One hive body provides enough space forOne hive body provides enough space for
a good queen to produce an optimala good queen to produce an optimal
colony population of 50,000 to 60,000colony population of 50,000 to 60,000
workers. Two hive bodies is consideredworkers. Two hive bodies is considered
necessary by many beekeepers becausenecessary by many beekeepers because
it provides a large space for winter foodit provides a large space for winter food
stores and relieves brood nest congestionstores and relieves brood nest congestion
– a prime stimulant for swarming. There– a prime stimulant for swarming. There
are two basic Hive configurations.are two basic Hive configurations.
Hive Bodies ConfigurationHive Bodies Configuration

13. Hive Bodies ConfigurationHive Bodies Configuration
Base Configuration #1: one hive body to house the queen andBase Configuration #1: one hive body to house the queen and
brood, a queen excluder, and one or more honey suppers for foodbrood, a queen excluder, and one or more honey suppers for food
stores.stores.

14. Hive Bodies ConfigurationHive Bodies Configuration
Base Configuration #2: two hive bodies for queen, brood, andBase Configuration #2: two hive bodies for queen, brood, and
food stores. In either configuration this space is regarded as thefood stores. In either configuration this space is regarded as the
domain of the bees. Honey is Harvested from supers addeddomain of the bees. Honey is Harvested from supers added
above this base configuration.above this base configuration.

15. The device is a metal or plastic gaugedThe device is a metal or plastic gauged
such that the worker bees can freely passsuch that the worker bees can freely pass
through, but the larger queen cannot. It isthrough, but the larger queen cannot. It is
placed between the brood nest and honeyplaced between the brood nest and honey
supers, and its purpose is to exclude thesupers, and its purpose is to exclude the
queen – and her eggs and brood – fromqueen – and her eggs and brood – from
the area of the hive dedicated to honeythe area of the hive dedicated to honey
production.production.
Queen ExcluderQueen Excluder

16. Queen excluders are useful in a one-hive bodyQueen excluders are useful in a one-hive body
configuration, but not necessary with twoconfiguration, but not necessary with two
because of thebecause of the Honey BarrierHoney Barrier. In nature, a. In nature, a
honey bee nest has a central core of brood withhoney bee nest has a central core of brood with
the honey stores above. Generally, a queen isthe honey stores above. Generally, a queen is
reluctant to cross this honey barrier and depositreluctant to cross this honey barrier and deposit
eggs above it. In a two-hive body configurationeggs above it. In a two-hive body configuration
thethe Honey BarrierHoney Barrier occurs naturally in theoccurs naturally in the
second hive body, but in a one-hive bodysecond hive body, but in a one-hive body
configuration it is likely to occur in the honeyconfiguration it is likely to occur in the honey
super.super.
Queen ExcluderQueen Excluder

17. Queen ExcluderQueen Excluder
A queen excluder goes between the brood nest and honey supers.A queen excluder goes between the brood nest and honey supers.
The wires are gauged to keep the relatively large queen out of theThe wires are gauged to keep the relatively large queen out of the
honey supers.honey supers.

18. Foundation is a sheet of beeswax or plastic imprintedFoundation is a sheet of beeswax or plastic imprinted
with the shape of hexagonal cells. Bees use foundationwith the shape of hexagonal cells. Bees use foundation
literally as the “foundation” or mid-rib upon which toliterally as the “foundation” or mid-rib upon which to
build their combs. The traditional is made of 100%build their combs. The traditional is made of 100%
bees wax and has reinforcing wires embedded in itbees wax and has reinforcing wires embedded in it
vertically. The vertical reinforcement is adequate forvertically. The vertical reinforcement is adequate for
shallow or medium frames, but for deep framesshallow or medium frames, but for deep frames
additional horizontal reinforcement is needed. Combadditional horizontal reinforcement is needed. Comb
durability has motivated beekeepers to use plasticdurability has motivated beekeepers to use plastic
foundation material. Its popularity has risen with afoundation material. Its popularity has risen with a
beeswax coating improving acceptance by bees, withbeeswax coating improving acceptance by bees, with
easy installation.easy installation.
FoundationFoundation

19. Plastic FoundationPlastic Foundation
Rigid Plastic Foundation is easy to install. Frames for this typeRigid Plastic Foundation is easy to install. Frames for this type
foundation come with grooved top bars and bottom bars. Thefoundation come with grooved top bars and bottom bars. The
foundation is simply snapped in place.foundation is simply snapped in place.

20. Standard hive bodies and supers areStandard hive bodies and supers are
each made to accommodate 10 frames.each made to accommodate 10 frames.
The size of the frame is specific to theirThe size of the frame is specific to their
respective super. Each of theserespective super. Each of these
components “components “frames” a bees wax combframes” a bees wax comb
giving it rigidity, strength and uniformgiving it rigidity, strength and uniform
shape. A frame is comprised of fourshape. A frame is comprised of four
parts: A top bar, two end bars, and aparts: A top bar, two end bars, and a
bottom bar. For construction/illustrationbottom bar. For construction/illustration
of frames refer to FLB Book pages 36-39.of frames refer to FLB Book pages 36-39.
FramesFrames

21. FrameFrame
A Frame consist of a top bar, 2 end bars, and one bottom bar.A Frame consist of a top bar, 2 end bars, and one bottom bar.
The top bar and bottom bars each have grooves that face eachThe top bar and bottom bars each have grooves that face each
other inwardly.other inwardly.

22. The inner cover fits on the top-mostThe inner cover fits on the top-most
super, maintaining bee space andsuper, maintaining bee space and
insulating dead air space. Theinsulating dead air space. The
telescoping outer cover fits over the innertelescoping outer cover fits over the inner
cover to provide weather protection.cover to provide weather protection.
Inner and Outer CoversInner and Outer Covers

23. Inner and Outer CoversInner and Outer Covers
Outer cover telescoping overOuter cover telescoping over
the inner cover.the inner cover.
The inner cover.The inner cover.

24. When no nectar is avaliable to sustain theWhen no nectar is avaliable to sustain the
colony during protracted dearthcolony during protracted dearth
beekeepers can mitigate by usingbeekeepers can mitigate by using
numerous types of syrup feeders. Tonumerous types of syrup feeders. To
make your syrup mix equal parts sugarmake your syrup mix equal parts sugar
and water in spring and in fall use 2 partand water in spring and in fall use 2 part
sugar 1 part heated water.sugar 1 part heated water.
FeedersFeeders

25. A wooden or plastic base that slides intoA wooden or plastic base that slides into
the entrance of the hive and holds athe entrance of the hive and holds a
inverted quart jar of syrup. Bees walk intoinverted quart jar of syrup. Bees walk into
a chamber inside the base and accessa chamber inside the base and access
the syrup through a perforated lid.the syrup through a perforated lid.
Advantages: excellent way to feed waterAdvantages: excellent way to feed water
during hot, dry spells, easy fill and don'tduring hot, dry spells, easy fill and don't
have to open hive. Disadvantages: smallhave to open hive. Disadvantages: small
amount, can promote robbing.amount, can promote robbing.
Boardman FeederBoardman Feeder

26. Boardman FeederBoardman Feeder
A Boardman feeder.A Boardman feeder.

27. This is an in-hive feeder shaped ruffly likeThis is an in-hive feeder shaped ruffly like
a frame and made to lay along sidea frame and made to lay along side
frames in the brood nest. It can beframes in the brood nest. It can be
constructed of wood, composite board, orconstructed of wood, composite board, or
plastic molded unit. Advantages: can beplastic molded unit. Advantages: can be
placed next to bee cluster.placed next to bee cluster.
Disadvantages: have to open the hive,Disadvantages: have to open the hive,
bees drown.bees drown.
Division Board FeederDivision Board Feeder

28. Division Board FeederDivision Board Feeder
A division board feeder. The wooden block keepsA division board feeder. The wooden block keeps
the walls from collapsing and the folded hardwarethe walls from collapsing and the folded hardware
cloth in the reservoir minimizes bee drowning.cloth in the reservoir minimizes bee drowning.

29. Simply fill a 1 gallon plastic food storageSimply fill a 1 gallon plastic food storage
bag with syrup and place directly on topbag with syrup and place directly on top
of the clustering bees, inclosing the spaceof the clustering bees, inclosing the space
with an empty shallow super. Make a 1with an empty shallow super. Make a 1
inch cut in top of the bag so the syrup caninch cut in top of the bag so the syrup can
well up. Advantages: Cheap, neat andwell up. Advantages: Cheap, neat and
less bees drown.less bees drown.
Disadvantage: have to open the hiveDisadvantage: have to open the hive
Plastic Food BagsPlastic Food Bags

30. Plastic Food Bag FeederPlastic Food Bag Feeder
Plastic food bag filled with syrup and placed on top ofPlastic food bag filled with syrup and placed on top of
the brood combs. A nick in the top releases the syrup.the brood combs. A nick in the top releases the syrup.
The extra space is enclosed with an empty super.The extra space is enclosed with an empty super.

31. This method may constitute the onlyThis method may constitute the only
functional way to feed bees in anfunctional way to feed bees in an
emergency starvation situation in winter.emergency starvation situation in winter.
Most plastic pails hold 1 gallon heavyMost plastic pails hold 1 gallon heavy
syrup(2 sugar to 1 water). Place the pailsyrup(2 sugar to 1 water). Place the pail
on the cluster with perforated lid down,on the cluster with perforated lid down,
and enclose the space with an emptyand enclose the space with an empty
super and lid.super and lid.
Pails with Perforated LidsPails with Perforated Lids

32. Pails with Perforated LidsPails with Perforated Lids
A plastic 1 gallon pail with perforated lid.A plastic 1 gallon pail with perforated lid.

33. Beekeepers have recognized the calmingBeekeepers have recognized the calming
effect of smoke and used it in theireffect of smoke and used it in their
beehive manipulations. In 1870 Mosesbeehive manipulations. In 1870 Moses
Quinby invented his smoker allowing forQuinby invented his smoker allowing for
the first time, a practical means to directthe first time, a practical means to direct
smoke where needed. Acceptablesmoke where needed. Acceptable
smoker fuels include pine straw, groundsmoker fuels include pine straw, ground
corn cobs, pelleted wood shavings, orcorn cobs, pelleted wood shavings, or
dried cow manure.dried cow manure.
SmokerSmoker

34. Beeswax FoundationBeeswax Foundation
A deep frame displaying a sheet of 100% beeswax foundation.A deep frame displaying a sheet of 100% beeswax foundation.
Vertical support wires are embedded in the foundation to addVertical support wires are embedded in the foundation to add
rigidity.rigidity.

35. SmokerSmoker
A smoker being lit.A smoker being lit.

36. Some kind of hive tool is needed to prySome kind of hive tool is needed to pry
apart bee hive parts glued with propolis.apart bee hive parts glued with propolis.
There are two popular versions:There are two popular versions:
Traditional (broad flat prying end) and aTraditional (broad flat prying end) and a
new style ~ Frame Lifter and Scraper.new style ~ Frame Lifter and Scraper.
Hive ToolHive Tool

37. Hive ToolsHive Tools
Newer style of hive tool designedNewer style of hive tool designed
as a lever to pry up frames.as a lever to pry up frames.
Traditional Hive Tool.Traditional Hive Tool.

38. A veil is theA veil is the minimumminimum necessarynecessary
protective clothing. The traditional tie-onprotective clothing. The traditional tie-on
veil is used in conjunction with a fiber orveil is used in conjunction with a fiber or
plastic helmet. A zip-on veil with a suitplastic helmet. A zip-on veil with a suit
provides seamless protection.provides seamless protection.
VeilVeil

39. VeilsVeils
A zip-on veil made to be wornA zip-on veil made to be worn
with a full bee suit.with a full bee suit.
A traditional tie-on veil.A traditional tie-on veil.

40. Gloves are not always good insuranceGloves are not always good insurance
against stings and many beekeepersagainst stings and many beekeepers
abandon them as they gain experience.abandon them as they gain experience.
The simple fact of a beekeeper usingThe simple fact of a beekeeper using
gloves is more clumsy. Wearing gloves isgloves is more clumsy. Wearing gloves is
a good idea for messy jobs like harvestinga good idea for messy jobs like harvesting
honey or when the bees are incorrigible.honey or when the bees are incorrigible.
Its ok to buy a good set of gloves, butIts ok to buy a good set of gloves, but
make their use the exception not the rule.make their use the exception not the rule.
GlovesGloves

41. GlovesGloves
A pair of gloves.A pair of gloves.

42. The most complete for of bee protectionThe most complete for of bee protection
is a full bee suit, white overalls, a zip-onis a full bee suit, white overalls, a zip-on
veil, and gloves. The biggest problemveil, and gloves. The biggest problem
with the bee suits are heat stress to thewith the bee suits are heat stress to the
beekeeper and rough handling of thebeekeeper and rough handling of the
bees. Suits are good to have for messybees. Suits are good to have for messy
jobs or when bees are uncontrollablyjobs or when bees are uncontrollably
defensive. The beekeepers bestdefensive. The beekeepers best
defenses against stings will always be adefenses against stings will always be a
smoker and good bee handling skills.smoker and good bee handling skills.
Bee SuitBee Suit

43. Bee SuitBee Suit
A complete bee suit.A complete bee suit.

44. Hill CountryHill Country
BeekeepersBeekeepers
Derrick DevereuxDerrick Devereux
~~
BeekeeperBeekeeper