What Is A Beehive?
A beehive is a structure designed to house a colony of bees, and today, there are numerous materials available for constructing or selecting a hive. The material you choose is vital, not only for the well-being of your bees, but also for the durability and upkeep of the hive.
If you're searching for the best materials for your beehive, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we will explore the various materials that make up both natural and man-made hives, as well as each of their benefits and drawbacks.
Man-Made Beehives:
Cedar:
Cedar wood is a top choice for its natural durability and resistance. Its aromatic properties naturally deter insects that could harm the bees, making it an ideal long-term option for hives. Cedar also offers excellent insulation, helping to maintain a stable internal temperature, which is important for the well-being of the colony.
The main downside to cedar is that it tends to be more expensive than other woods. But the quality of the wood and the benefit to the bees makes it worth spending that little extra.
Beekeeping can be made more environmentally-friendly by investing in FSC-certified cedar. By opting for FSC, you’re choosing a material that balances durability, functionality, and environmental responsibility, ensuring that your hive supports both the bees and the planet for years to come. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that your beekeeping practices are not only effective, but also sustainable, helping to preserve the environment while providing a safe and stable home for your bees.
Pine:
Pine is another commonly used wood for beehives due to its affordability, lightweight nature, and widespread availability. As a softwood, it is easy to work with, making it a practical choice for both beginner and experienced beekeepers. Additionally, pine offers decent insulation, which helps maintain the hive’s internal environment.
However, pine is less durable than cedar and may require more maintenance over time. To protect it from rot and pests, regular treatments like painting or applying a protective sealant are essential. Despite this, for beekeepers that are on a budget, a Pine Hive is an excellent choice that balances cost and functionality.
Fir:
Fir wood offers a blend of pine’s affordability and cedar’s durability. It is a bit stronger than pine, making it a solid middle-ground choice for beehives. Fir’s tighter grain and natural resilience makes it less likely to warp or twist, ensuring a more stable and long-lasting hive. It also provides adequate insulation, making it a versatile material suitable for the variable British weather.
Similar to pine, fir is less resistant to rot and pests compared to cedar. Therefore, It may also require more maintenance over time, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions. To do this, you would need to regularly apply protective coatings such as sealants or exterior-grade paint. However, its cost-effectiveness and reasonable durability make Fir Hives an appealing option for many beekeepers.
Poly Hives:
Poly hives, made from polystyrene, are a modern alternative to traditional wooden hives. These hives offer excellent insulation, often outperforming wood in extreme temperatures. They are lightweight, easy to handle, and can be quite durable when well-maintained.
However, poly hives are not as environmentally friendly as wooden hives, and their appearance might not appeal to those who prefer a more natural aesthetic. Additionally, poly hives are prone to damage from wildlife and require careful handling to avoid breakage.
Due to the issues associated with poly hives, we’d recommend sticking with wood unless you’re planning on beekeeping in exotic climates abroad.
Plastic Hives:
Plastic hives are another option, although they are less commonly used than wood or poly hives. These hives are lightweight, easy to clean, and require little maintenance. Plastic hives are also resistant to rot and pests, making them a low-maintenance choice.
Despite these benefits, plastic hives offer poor insulation compared to wood, making it harder for bees to maintain a stable internal temperature. Additionally, plastic is not biodegradable, which can raise environmental concerns.
While plastic hives can be a good option, for the health and survival of your bees, wooden hives remain the superior choice for most beekeepers.
Natural Bee-Made Hive:
In nature, bees build their hives in different places using materials they find around them. The outside of a natural beehive is usually made from beeswax, a substance produced by the bees themselves. Worker bees produce beeswax from glands on their abdomen and use it to build the honeycomb structure inside the hive. They create this honeycomb in safe, sheltered spots that they carefully select to keep their colony secure and stable.
Where Do Bees Build Their Hives?
Bees often build their natural hives in hollow tree trunks where the thick wood keeps them safe from predators and shields them from harsh weather.
The inside of the tree provides a secure and weather-resistant home that helps the bees maintain a steady temperature inside the hive. Besides tree trunks, bees sometimes build their hives on sturdy branches, where the natural overhang protects them from rain and the height keeps them safe from ground-based predators.
Bees are very adaptable and can create hives in a variety of other places as well. They might use rock crevices, old animal burrows, or even man-made structures like attics or sheds. Sometimes, bees choose more unusual spots like the space between walls or under roof eaves, as long as the area is secure and enclosed.
Natural hives are amazing examples of how skilled bees are at building, but they aren’t practical for the activity of beekeeping. In the wild, bees often choose wood as the external structure for their hives, as it offers natural insulation and protection. This offers insight into the preferences and behaviours of bees, which is why many beekeepers strive to replicate these natural conditions when using man-made materials.
Summary
When it comes to choosing the right material for your beehive, there are several factors to consider, including durability, insulation, maintenance, and environmental impact.
While poly and plastic hives offer some advantages, wooden hives—particularly those made from FSC-certified cedar—emerge as the best overall option. Cedar’s natural properties, combined with the sustainability of FSC wood, make it an ideal choice for diligent beekeepers who want a hive that is both effective and eco-friendly.
If you’re ready to invest in a high-quality beehive that will support your bees for years to come, shop our selection of wooden hives and start your beekeeping journey with confidence.