In beekeeping, one of the most important factors directly affecting colony health and honey yield is hive selection. Modern shelters produced from materials with high thermal insulation values, developed to address the insulation deficiencies of traditional wooden hives, are called thermo hives. These systems, often referred to as styrofoam hives among the public and in the field due to their structure, are generally produced from high-density EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) or hard plastic materials suitable for food regulations, as double-walled and insulated.
From Traditional to Modern: The Historical Development of the Hive
The foundation of modern beekeeping was laid in the 1850s with the design of the framed wooden hive system. Although wood was the only option for many years, severe winter conditions in Northern European countries in the second half of the 20th century pushed beekeepers to search for better insulation.
Starting from the 1970s, high-density polystyrene hives began to be tested in the Scandinavia region. These field trials showed that the winter cluster was disrupted less in insulated hives. Today, hybrid models with UV-resistant plastic and foam combinations are used.
Technical Specifications and Structure
Thermo hives are designed through engineering studies to provide climatization suitable for the bee’s biology. Their basic features are as follows:
- High Thermal Insulation: Offers 4 to 6 times higher insulation value compared to wood.
- Ventilation System: Adjustable channels located on the hive bottom board and cover sections ensure moisture evacuation.
- Food Compatibility: The plastic or foam materials used are produced in standards that will not alter the chemical structure of the honey.
- Modular Design: Parts (bottom board, brood chamber, super, cover) have interlocking mechanisms.
Advantages of Heat-Insulated Hives
Field data and university research show that thermo hives provide the following contributions to colony performance:
- Climatization Control: While preserving internal hive heat in winter, it prevents excessive heat from entering in summer. This situation reduces the energy bees spend to heat or cool the hive.
- Yield Increase: An increase in honey yield has been observed in colonies that spend their energy on honey collection and brood care instead of heating/cooling.
- Early Spring Development: Low heat loss encourages the queen bee to start laying eggs earlier.
- Moisture and Mold Prevention: Advanced ventilation systems minimize internal hive moisture accumulation and fungal diseases.
- Varroa Control: Bottom boards with pollen traps and screens, found in most models, prevent Varroa mites from falling to the hive floor and climbing back onto the bee.
Disadvantages and Points to Consider
Thermo hives also have some limitations:
- Wind Resistance: The lightness of the material can create a risk of tipping over in very strong winds. It usually needs to be supported with weight.
- Cost: The initial investment cost is higher compared to standard pine lumber hives.
- Pest Risk: Low-density, poor-quality styrofoam hives can be damaged by rodents (Except for models with hard plastic outer surfaces).
Standard Types in Which Thermo Hives Are Produced
Thermo hive technology is produced by adhering to accepted frame and body dimensions in beekeeping. In this way, beekeepers can transfer their existing frames to thermo hives. In terms of hive varieties, the most frequently encountered thermo hive models in the sector are as follows:
Langstroth Hive
It is the most widely used type in the world and in Turkey. The dimensions of the brood and honey super bodies are equal to each other. Thermo Langstroth models are the most preferred insulated hive type for migratory beekeeping thanks to their modular structure and frame standardization.
Dadant Hive
Its brood chamber is deeper compared to Langstroth, and its supers are shallower. Thermo Dadant models increase the colony’s chance of survival by combining a large brood area and high insulation in regions where winters pass severely.
Nucleus Hive (Ruşet)
They are hives smaller than standard hives (usually 5-6 frames). They are used for queen bee rearing or division taking processes. Thermo Nucleus hives yield much more successful results compared to wooden models as they help weak colonies with low populations preserve body heat.
Return on Investment and Sustainability
In beekeeping activities, the hive is not just a storage space, but an ecosystem where the bee maintains its life cycle. Thermo hives may require a higher budget compared to traditional wooden hives in terms of initial setup cost. However, considering the reduction in winter losses, the increase in honey yield, and the long service life of the hives (non-rotting), it is seen that the investment made pays for itself within a few seasons. In order to protect colonies under changing climate conditions, heat-insulated hive systems are becoming an indispensable part of modern beekeeping.
