When we decide to keep bees , we do so bang bees are essential for dear pollination , and of course of instruction , we love the honey they create . What sometimes is n’t vindicated , though , is what type of beehive will befit us best . This determination count on factors that change among beekeeper . To help you make the right choice for you and your farm , here are three hive options to consider .

1. Langstroth Hive

This ubiquitous “ bee box ” is the most democratic pick for modern beekeepers . It was invented by Dr. L. L. Langstroth , a Massachusetts minister and beekeeping hobbyist , in 1851 and was the first hive to carry obliterable frames , which allowed beekeeper easier access to the beehive for bee inspection . A Langstroth   hive consists of a bottom add-in , one or two deep super ( 18¼-by-14¼-by-9½ inch ) , one or two honey super , an inner cover , an outer cover charge and the frames .

Advantages

Disadvantages

2. Warré Hive

If you ’ve never heard of Warré hives , you ’re not alone . Developed by a Gallic curate , Emile Warré , the hive mode is realize popularity in the U.S. Warré spend his life using and study various type of hives and in the early 1900s , he created what he call “ The People ’s Hive . ” The designing is smaller than a Langstroth hive , with factor that are hearty rather than orthogonal ( 12 inch square and 8 inches cryptical ) and with boxes sum to the bottom rather than to the top .

3. Top-Bar Hive

Top - bar hives have been around for centuries in one shape or another , though they ’ve only lately take in popularity in the U.S. Simplicity is the operative word here : . In this hive character , wooden saloon with wax strips attached to the undersurface to encourage combing construction are suspended over a beehive cavity , and no artificial fundament is used . grounds indicates that beekeepers in ancient Greece used baskets or pots for this aim . distinctive top - barroom beehive face like long one - story wooden , slightly triangular boxes on wooden leg , with a lid and shield access on the ends . Some multitude sum a plexiglass panel to one side so they can observe the settlement at study .

at last , the bighearted ingredient in determine which type of hive you choose is your purpose for keeping bees : pollenation or beloved . Next , retrieve about the amount of time you want to give to beekeeping , the cost of start - up , the availability of equipment , the specialty of your back and ultimately , the wellness of your colonies . There ’s no wrong pick here , and in the end you ’ll be on your way to an exciting new hobby .

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