Abstract: A preferred embodiment provides a reconfigurable and removable cover securely fixed to an exterior of a hive structure. The preferred material of the cover provides both temperature and humidity control through use of various layers which allow proper air flow. Temperature control is provided by a novel combination of heat absorptive and heat reflective layers and surfaces. A reduction of heat loss in the hive structure reduces the amount of energy required to keep the hive at the desired temperature thereby preserving food resources and preventing colony collapse. The heat reflective layers cool the hive in the summer by reflecting solar radiation.

Abstract: A bee nesting block, comprising: a first arrangement having a first slab, a second slab, a third slab and a fourth slab, wherein a stacked first arrangement forms a first staggered ledge and a second staggered ledge to provide a landing surface and greater planer space as a visual cue for improved nest recognition for one or more mason bees; and a second arrangement having a fifth slab, a sixth slab, a seventh slab and an eighth slab, wherein a stacked second arrangement forms a third staggered ledge and a fourth staggered ledge to provide a landing surface for the one or more mason bees; wherein the first arrangement is stacked onto the second arrangement to form the bee nesting block having a hexagonal shape; wherein the first arrangement stacked on to the second arrangement are fastened to one another using a plurality of bands or sleeves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for examining the infestation of honey bee colonies with Varroa mites. The device contains a container with a bottom, side walls and a cover. Within the container there is a means which causes the Varroa mites to drop off the bees, but does not harm the bees, and a means for fixing the dropped Varroa mites to the bottom of the container. The invention furthermore relates to a method of examining the degree of infestation of honey bee colonies with Varroa mites using the device according to the invention, and to a method for examining the sensitivity of the Varroa mites of a bee colony to various acaricid-containing active compounds using the device according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of bumblebee (Bombus spp.) handling. According to a first aspect the invention relates to a device, for confining bumblebee (Bombus spp.) workers, such as a nest box. The device comprises a number of barriers forming a number of chambers suitable for confining bumblebee workers. The barriers comprise a laminate comprising a celluloseboard, preferably solid paperboard, covered with a 10-500 ?m thick layer of a material comprising a number of polymers. The polymeric material having a tensile strength of at least 25 MPa and an indentation microhardness of at least 80 MPa. Further aspects of the invention relate to the use of the laminate and a method for confining bumblebee (Bombus spp.) workers.

Abstract: The instant invention describes a beehive constructed and arranged to contain one or more components which are assembled using minimal amounts of fastening devices. The beehive includes one or more hive bodies, such as deep hive bodies or honey super bodies preferably made of rot proof PVC board, which are designed to house or store a bee colony, bee brood, and honey. Each of the bodies is designed to contain one or more walls which are secured together to form the body structure. The bodies are constructed of a single unit structure having one or more integral hinged members that join two rigid members together, allowing the two rigid members to fold along the line of the hinge. By folding along the line of the hinge, a desired shape can be constructed and secured without the need for additional fastening devices, such as screws or nails.

Abstract: Demounted beehives wherein the air circulation is realized effectively and the heat isolation is enhanced. The beehive essentially comprises one or more body (5), a top cover (2) and also a lower cover (7).

Abstract: A plastic modular beehive construction including cover plates to enhance insulation from cold temperatures. The construction comprises opposing side and end walls. Outwardly protruding ribs are provided across areas of the outer face of each wall for reinforcement. Pin receivers are also included in selected locations on each outer face. An outwardly facing recess is preferably included in each wall, to define a hand grip. Pronged connectors are provided on the end walls. Recesses are provided on the side walls for receiving the pronged connectors of the end walls. The walls are snapped together, providing a rigid four-sided hive, having an open top and an open bottom. The cover plates, including pins on an inner wall that correspond with the locations of the pin receivers on the walls, are installed over each wall. The plates include a cutout corresponding with the size, configuration, and location of the hand grip recess.

Abstract: A plastic modular beehive construction including cover plates to enhance insulation from cold temperatures. The construction comprises opposing side and end walls. Outwardly protruding ribs are provided across areas of the outer face of each wall for reinforcement. Pin receivers are also included in selected locations on each outer face. An outwardly facing recess is preferably included in each wall, to define a hand grip. Pronged connectors are provided on the end walls. Recesses are provided on the side walls for receiving the pronged connectors of the end walls. The walls are snapped together, providing a rigid four-sided hive, having an open top and an open bottom. The cover plates, including pins on an inner wall that correspond with the locations of the pin receivers on the walls, are installed over each wall. The plates include a cutout corresponding with the size, configuration, and location of the hand grip recess.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiment, a hive system for housing a plurality of bee colonies. The hive system comprises a hive system body, including a framework and a plurality of perimeter walls forming a hive system interior space. At least one divider wall is used to divide the interior space into a plurality of bee chambers, with each bee chamber housing one bee colony. It is thus an advantage of the present invention to provide an improved structure for housing bees.

Abstract: A disposable, biodegradable beehive which comprises an enclosure of wax-coated cardboard. The enclosure includes an opening to allow the bees to enter or exit the beehive and a closure for the opening. Small ventilation holes, relative to the size of a bee, are provided to allow air to circulate. A plurality of cardboard layers are fitted to the bottom of the enclosure with a section of the layers removed to form a nest pocket or a dry feed pocket. A float feeder is attached to the enclosure with the feeder element internal to the enclosure, while the main body of the feeder is external to the enclosure to allow the feeder to be supplied with external liquid feed.

Abstract: A portable beehive is disclosed for use in transporting a population of bees between a beekeeper facility and an orchard or the like. The portable beehive includes a box formed from a folded, single-piece blank, and a removable top cover. The interior of the box has inner end walls which form ledges for suspending honeycomb frames within the box. An exit opening is formed through an end wall of the box, and the exit is closed or opened by a door flap. The door flap, when opened, functions as a mat upon which may be placed concentrated pollen for transfer to the bees. Pivotable carrying handles perform multiple functions including holding the top cover in place, limiting the movement of the honeycomb frames within the box, and holding a bee food container in place atop the cover. A space is formed between the rear inner end wall and the rear outer end wall in which bee food may be placed; openings are provided in the rear inner end wall through which bees may access the food.

Abstract: A protective cover is removably placed over a beehive for overwintering and utilizes an inner reflective surface to return radiant energy to the hive and an outer non-reflective surface to absorb energy into the hive. The cover may have reclosable openings therein to allow inspection of the hives.