It is modern beekeeping equipment designed by Lorenzo Langstroth in 1851, based on the “bee space” principle and possessing a movable frame system. This structure, which increases efficiency in pollen and honey production and can be expanded in supers, is the most widely used standard hive type worldwide.
Considered one of the cornerstones of modern beekeeping, the Langstroth hive system protects the health of the colony and facilitates the beekeeper’s intervention opportunities with its structure suitable for bee biology. Replacing the primitive methods that caused damage to colonies during honey harvest in the past, this system allows frames to be easily removed and inspected.
Historical Development and Design of the Langstroth Type Hive
Until the mid-19th century, skep hives or log hives were generally used in beekeeping activities. Since honeycombs were fixed in these structures, cutting the combs and often destroying the bee colonies was necessary when harvesting honey. L.L. Langstroth solved this problem by discovering the distance between 6 and 9 mm required for bees to move inside the hive, namely the “bee space.”
The Langstroth hive consists of modular parts such as the bottom board, brood box, honey supers, inner cover, and outer cover. This modular structure allows the beekeeper to expand or reduce the hive according to need.
Langstroth Type Hive Dimensions and Technical Details
Equipment standardization in beekeeping is critical in terms of the compatibility of frames and hive parts with each other. Although the answer to the question “What should beehive dimensions be?” may vary according to regional climate conditions and bee race, specific standards are taken as a basis in industrial production.
TS 3409 Standard
In Turkey, the TS 3409 hive dimensions standard is taken as a reference in the production of Langstroth type hives. According to this standard, the dimensions of brood and super bodies are fixed. Internal dimensions are generally around 455 mm x 385 mm x 258 mm for the brood box. However, in practice, outer dimensions may vary according to wood thickness.
Frame Arrangement
Frame intervals are of great importance for in-hive ventilation and bee traffic. In an ideal arrangement, the space between the center of one frame and the center of the other frame should be 36-38 mm. This distance allows worker bees to work back-to-back and build combs, while preventing bees from closing passage ways with propolis or building unnecessary combs. Correct Langstroth hive dimensions directly affect the proper drawing out of honeycombs and the queen bee’s laying pattern.
What Are the Benefits Provided by Langstroth Beehives?
The main reasons why this model, also known as the Standard Hive Langstroth Hive, is accepted worldwide are as follows:
- Movable Frame System: Honeycombs can be taken out of the hive without damage; disease and queen bee control are done easily.
- Ease of Honey Harvest: Suitable for strained honey production; honeycombs can be given back to the hive for reuse after being centrifuged.
- Portability: Stacking and transporting hives is practical for those engaged in migratory beekeeping.
- Parts Supply: Since it is produced in standard dimensions, finding spare parts is quite easy.
Comparison with Other Hive Types
There are various Bee Hive Types in the sector for different needs. For example, while Dadant hives aim to keep the brood area wide with a deeper frame structure, Langstroth is focused more on honey production and is expanded by adding supers.
When looked at in terms of material, in addition to wooden hives, Styrofoam (Thermo) Hive models with high thermal insulation are also preferred. Furthermore, 5-6 frame Nuc Hive (nucleus) types are used for developing newly divided small colonies or for queen bee production. However, the Langstroth type Standard Hive is still the most valid option for full-capacity honey production.
Why Should Every Novice Beekeeper Start with a Langstroth Hive?
For those taking a new step into beekeeping, systems that do not require complex management techniques and where access to resources is easy should be preferred. The Langstroth Type Hive is ideal for the start due to both the majority of training materials being constructed upon this hive and the ease of receiving support from experienced beekeepers.
This system teaches observing the development of the colony and offers the opportunity for compensation when mistakes are made. If you are taking your first step into this hobby or profession, start with a Langstroth style hive instead of complex trials. Thus, you will neither experience equipment incompatibility nor learn modern beekeeping techniques in the most correct way by applying them in the field.
