Bee Boxes
Our beekeeping supplies include high-quality 10-frame Langstroth boxes, available in both deep (9 5/8″) and medium (6 5/8″) sizes. These boxes are unpainted and dipped in wax to enhance durability, while the bottom boards and covers are painted for weather protection. Additionally, we offer inner covers, queen excluders, and entrance reducers to complete your hive setup.
Setup
A bee hive can consist of multiple boxes that adapt to the growth of the colony. In Michigan, a typical setup for a thriving bee population includes two brood boxes and up to three medium boxes, depending on the season’s growth. Below is a brief description of the essential hive components we offer:
Bottom Board and Entrance reducer
he bottom board is the foundation of the hive, providing a stable base for the boxes. It features an entrance that allows bees to come and go freely.
This wooden piece adjusts the size of the hive entrance based on the colony’s population. Reducing the entrance helps the bees defend against predators. As the colony matures, the entrance can be sized appropriately, allowing the bees to better guard the hive.
Boxes
- Deep Boxes (Brood Boxes): Primarily used for population growth and brood development, deep boxes provide ample space for the queen to lay eggs. Bees will also store honey here, often competing with the queen for space.
- Medium Boxes (Supers): Placed on top of the brood boxes, medium boxes are dedicated to honey collection. A queen excluder is installed between the topmost deep box and the first medium box to prevent the queen from laying eggs in the honey frames. Queen excluders are specially designed grids that allow only worker bees to pass through while keeping larger drones and the queen confined to the brood area.
Inner Cover: Located on the topmost box, the inner cover features a central hole that accommodates a feeder, making it easier to supplement the bees’ diet as needed.
Top Cover (Outer Cover): The top cover protects the hive from rain and potential predators. It is painted to reflect sunlight and deflect water, ensuring the hive remains safe and dry.
Common Setup for Beginner Beekeepers
For beginners, a typical hive setup includes a bottom board, two deep boxes, two medium boxes, an inner cover, an outer cover, and a queen excluder. This configuration provides a solid foundation for your bees and allows them to thrive. The bottom board serves as the base, ensuring proper ventilation. The two deep boxes provide ample space for the queen to lay eggs and for the young bees to develop. As the colony expands, the two medium boxes can be added for honey storage. The inner cover aids in temperature regulation, while the outer cover protects the hive from weather conditions. Lastly, the queen excluder keeps the queen in the lower boxes, ensuring your honey remains free from brood.