Before you start keeping bees, it’s helpful to understand the basic components that make up a beehive. Some hives have slanted roofs like houses while others look like a set of dresser drawers. In part two we will discuss the types of beehives, but for now, we will go over the parts of the hive and how they work.
The Parts of a Beehive
There are many different parts to a beehive, and they each serve a specific purpose. If you’re going to harvest honey, it’s important that you understand how a hive works. Understanding the following vocabulary terms will help familiarize yourself with a hive.
- The stand usually consists of four legs and a base, which keeps the hive a foot or two off of the ground. It’s essential that this part is sturdy enough to hold the entire hive including the honey.
- The floor is where the bees enter the hive, and it also has another role, which consists of protecting the bottom of the hive.
- The Varroa mite is a bee parasite, and the Varroa screen allows this parasite to fall through the mesh and down to the floor where it can die. The screen rests between the brood box and the floor.
- The frames entice the bees to make the comb, because each frame has a wax foundation to get the bees started.
- The foundation also has wax molds of hexagons, and the wired ones are sturdier.
- The queen and colony live in the brood box, which is a section that holds between 10 and 14 frames. You need to keep this box at 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
- To prevent the queen from moving from the brood box to the supers, a queen excluder is necessary. However, worker bees cans still move in and out.
- Above the brood box are the supers or super box, which hold shallow frames. This is where the bees will store the honey, so this is where you will harvest it.
- To help keep heat in, the crown board covers the brood and supers.
- Lastly, the roof protects the bees from the elements.
Beekeeping is an involved process, but it can be a rewarding one, especially if you know how to properly use the hive.
Marina Hanes has a B.A. in Professional Writing and Editing from Youngstown State University. She is a vegetarian and is passionate about environmental issues and animal rights.
