Setting up your first hive? Here’s How to Pick the Perfect Beehive Box

A beehive box is not just a wooden structure; rather, it's an essential component of the hive. It houses the bees and the honeycomb, stores honey and helps bees thrive through each season. When starting your beekeeping journey, it can be very overwhelming to choose the right box from so many options of bee supplies available in the market. But choosing the best beehive box shouldn’t sound like a problem. Once beekeepers get to know what features to look for, it becomes less of a hassle to decide.

Let’s dive deep into how a beehive box can make all the difference in your colony’s success.

Know why the right hive box matters for the success of your hive.

The beehive box acts as a shelter, food store, and nursery for your bees. A well-built beehive design provides a safe, stable environment for the bees while making its management easier for you. On the other hand, a poorly constructed box can warp, soak in moisture, causing mould growth and risk of diseases, ultimately causing unnecessary stress on your colony. As a beekeeper, this is the last thing you’d want to deal with. For this reason, it is essential to invest in the right quality hive equipment.

Consider a beehive box the bedrock of your beekeeping endeavour - the stronger it is, the better your harvests will be.

Understanding the standard beehive designs

The two most common types of beehive designs in Australia are: 

• Langstroth hives - The go-to hive design for both beginners and professionals. These movable boxes are assembled vertically and contain removable frames, keeping the inspection and harvesting process simple.
• Flow hives - An innovative hive design that allows harvesting honey without removing the frames or opening the hive. It is a less invasive method and is generally more expensive; therefore, most beginners opt for the Langstroth design. Despite being less invasive, the extraction process might be disruptive and cause stress and injury to the bees, making it a less preferable design.
  

You can choose either option, but the Langstroth design is often the most convenient for beginners. It’s budget-friendly, practical and compatible with a wide range of beekeeping equipment.

Quality features to look for while buying a beehive Box

Not all beehive boxes are designed equally. Here are some key features you should never miss while buying for your first hive:

1. Well-insulated Design

Bees work hard to regulate the temperature of their hive. A bee box with thick walls (above 20mm) can help reduce their workload and enhance the overall productivity of the hive, protecting the brood through all seasons.

2. Strong joint system

A well-built hive box must have a secure interlocking joint system. This feature reduces the risk of moisture or water seeping through small gaps. It helps maintain the internal environment of the box, keeping it safe from mould and diseases. Professional beekeepers mostly prefer hives thbat have a finger joint structure as they provide extra strength and durability to the hive.

3. High-quality Material

Hive boxes are usually made from untreated wood or plastic. The quality of timber used to make hive boxes determines a lot about their durability and longevity. The knot-free New Zealand pine is one of the most premium woods used to make hive boxes. It’s smooth, sturdy, and crack-free, preventing break-off even after several uses. 

The outer surface of wooden hives must be painted to prevent damage from moisture and UV exposure. Wooden hives require high maintenance to prevent warping and decaying early. While plastic hive bodies require low maintenance, they’re easy to clean and durable.

4. Frame Capacities

Hive boxes are primarily available in 8-frame or 10-frame options. The 8-frame hives are comparatively smaller and lightweight, which makes them easy to lift and manage. On the other hand, 10-frame boxes are more spacious with a large honey storage capacity. Beekeepers make their choice based upon whether they prefer maximum capacity or easier handling, along with compatibility with their existing beekeeping equipment.

Assembled vs DIY Beehive Boxes

Beehive boxes are available in both assembled/ready-to-use form and flat packs with screws. 

• Assembled Beehive Boxes - These are fully constructed boxes that require no work from the beekeepers for their construction. These pre-built boxes are ideal for beekeepers who are on the go and prefer convenience over labour. While they are more expensive due to their pre-assembled design, their larger size can also increase shipping costs.
• Flat-packed Beehive Boxes -  These flat-packs come with components like bottoms, slides, tops and screws that need to be assembled. These are budget-friendly hive boxes but require special tools and skilled woodwork to be constructed. Beekeepers prefer flat-packs that come with pre-drilled holes and screws, reducing the time and work needed to build the hives.

You should always consider your preference, skill level, time availability, and budget before choosing between these two options.

Maintenance of Your Bee Box

Your hive needs proper upkeep to remain in mint condition. A few tips to keep in mind are:

• For a wooden box - Paint the outer surface only, bees always prefer natural wood inside and may avoid painted interiors. For best results, it is recommended to apply one coat of water-based primer and two coats of paint over it. (white or pastel colours recommended for less heat absorption)
• Look for Moisture buildup - During rainy or humid weather conditions, regularly check for dampness within the hive to prevent mould.
• Inspect regularly - Annually check hive parts and frames for wear, pests or diseases. Scrape off any debris, adhering wax or propolis.
• Cleaning - Wash with soapy warm water and disinfect thoroughly. Air-dry all the components before assembling and reusing.
  

Why a Beehive Starter Kit is The Way To Go

For beginners like you, a beehive starter kit can be the easiest way out when it comes to buying equipment. It simplifies the learning curve, providing a clear roadmap for newbies so they don’t have to figure everything out from scratch. Starter kits typically include frames, hive boxes, foundations, and sometimes protective clothing, all designed to work well together. It’s cost-effective, time-saving and convenient, helping you focus on your bees and relish your beekeeping journey.

Explore our full range of beekeeping equipment and choose from the best-quality products available. Still unsure? Reach out to the Beekeeping Gear team; our experts are here to help you find the perfect fit for your hive.