The Bee Preserver; or, Practical Directions for the Management and Preservation of Hives

Chapter 9: CHAPTER V. HIVES OF STRAW AND WOOD.

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About This Book

The book offers concise, practical guidance for establishing and maintaining productive apiaries, drawing on decades of observation. It addresses choosing and fixing an apiary site, preferred hive shapes and materials, entrance sizing and insulation, assessing stores, feeding and uniting weak or new swarms, forming artificial swarms, and techniques to counter pests, disease, and winter loss. Emphasis lies on simple, repeatable methods—hive construction, seasonal management, and targeted remedies—intended to help beekeepers preserve colonies through poor seasons and improve honey and wax yields.

CHAPTER V.
HIVES OF STRAW AND WOOD.

It is commonly supposed that bees thrive best in straw hives, because the straw absorbs the moisture, and the combs are less liable to mould. For my part, I can perceive no difference. The bees are careful enough to varnish over the interior of the straw hives with a coating of wax, or rather propolis, to prevent the settlement of the moths; and, in the old hives, this varnish is so thick that no moisture can penetrate between the cords of the straw. Wooden hives will also absorb moisture, to a certain extent; and experience has shewn me, that it is a matter of indifference which are employed, except as to the price, according as either material may be more or less abundant in different parts of the country.