loads Beebox hives and equipment carried on my rucksack

Welcome

This is a COVID beekeeping project that got out of control. Poly hives have inspired many YouTube videos, but very little is written about them. So, here is a practical guide to plug the gap. I am not the sort of person who does things because that is what other people do. I prefer to experiment and seek better.

Beebox hive amongst greenery

A bucolic Beebox hive

My struggle

It has taken me ten years to learn how to use poly hives and plastic frames. Devotees vehemently attest that bees do well with both. Sometimes they do. The hives make winter losses almost unknown and are so marvellous that they cause early swarming. Don’t be fooled that space and a young queen will make a swarming difference, they won’t. Be more drastic. A colony can be kept together with an early Demaree; it cannot be split until drones become available, As regards plastic frames, the bees only reliably draw them in a nectar flow. So I use some wax foundation at other times of year.

I do not possess a car, hence my backpack pictures. The 2.7-mile walk to my apiary keeps me fit.

rucksack full of frames
Shifting 3 boxes and 10 frames
Poly hives can be stored outside all year round

  1. Plastic frames are tough.

  2. Carrying boxes is a breeze.

  3. They can be stored outside all year.

Pointing at something when at the peak of a hill in Edinburgh

“I can see a BeeBox hive!”

Black plastic or wax foundation makes it easy to spot eggs

“I can see eggs!”

I’ll teach you all you need to know

If you’ve plenty of time, watch YouTube. But it can only teach you so much.

I assume you know basic science

e.g. Pollination and insects.

If you fancy reading this site like a book, click on the navigation at the bottom of each page.
To learn piecemeal, dip into the Contents.

I have relied on quality sources of information

Roger Patterson, Wally Shaw, David Cushman, Randy Oliver, Rusty Burlew, Prof Seeley, JD and BD Yates and Prof David Evans. Additionally, I have provided links to interesting research or summaries of research, but please bear in mind that science generally progresses from a body of evidence, not one study.

Strangely the site does not display properly using Safari on a tablet in portrait view (June 2024). You are welcome to use my photos for education, but not for financial gain. Please credit and link them to my site.

Maybe keeping bees with plastic is “unnatural”

Kamon Reynolds explains how plastic foundation is suitable for bees and beekeepers. Possibly, its environmental credentials aren’t as bad as you suspect. Here are my reasons for using plastic.

Disclaimer

This site is provided for general interest, information, and guidance only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or any product. I make no guarantee regarding the accuracy or suitability for any purpose of the information on this site. No liability is accepted for any injury or loss arising out of its contents.