The hive is the colony's shelter and the beekeeper's working unit. Knowing what each part does makes both management and problem-solving easier.

The basic measure: bee space

What makes the movable-frame hive possible is a single measurement. Bees leave open any gap of roughly six to nine millimetres.

• A wider gap is filled with brace comb
• A narrower gap is sealed with propolis

Hive dimensions are therefore not arbitrary; the whole system rests on this measurement.

The parts

Floor

It may be solid or meshed. A mesh floor provides ventilation and makes it possible to count fallen mites; the tray beneath serves both for measurement and for observation.

Brood box

The box in which the queen lays and the brood is reared. It is the centre of the colony and is not harvested.

Super

The box in which the honey to be harvested is stored. Keeping it separate from the brood allows harvesting without disturbing the colony.

Queen excluder

It passes workers and keeps the queen in the brood box, keeping the super free of brood.

Against that it can slow a weak colony or one working undrawn foundation. It is not necessary in all conditions.

Crown board

It closes the top and moderates the internal climate. Most have an opening for a feeder or for insulation.

Roof

It must be waterproof and shed rain outwards. A leaking roof in winter is more lethal than cold.

Materials

• Timber: Breathes, can be repaired, can be disinfected by flaming. It needs maintenance and is heavy
• Foam materials: Light and well insulated. Scratches and holes are the weak point; disinfection is limited

Being able to flame the hive where disease is suspected is an important advantage of timber.

Choosing a system

There are many hive systems in different dimensions. The best system is the one common in your area.

The reason is practical: you can borrow frames, buy colonies and find help when something goes wrong. Mixing dimensions makes frame exchange impossible and leaves you alone in an emergency.

Setting up

• Raise it off the ground; this cuts moisture and rot
• Tilt it slightly forward so condensation and rain run out of the entrance
• Secure it against storms and animals
• Adjust the entrance to the season and the strength of the colony