Styrofoam beehives: drawings and do-it-yourself manufacturing technology

About 30 years ago, beekeepers began to use various synthetic materials to build bee houses. There is no consensus on the advisability of using artificial blocks among beekeepers, so beginners are advised to independently study the advantages and disadvantages of such buildings. Hives made of polystyrene foam are quite common in modern apiaries.

Pros and cons of using Styrofoam

The positive aspects of foam bee houses are as follows:

• material weighs a little, which makes it easier to transport and assemble buildings;
• expanded polystyrene is inexpensive, which significantly reduces the cost of honey production and care of bee families;
• material is quite durable (compared to others).

Attention! One of the main advantages - the houses are distinguished by high ventilation, soundproofing and heat-insulating performance. Inside the bees are warm, dry, not noisy - comfortable.

Buildings are easy to repair, parts are quickly assembled and disassembled, and are interchangeable. Dwellings are durable and with a long service life. The disadvantages include the following items:

• beehives must be protected from rodents, birds;

• surface is not easy to clean from propolis;
• in some cases, condensation starts to accumulate at the bottom (you need to monitor this moment).

Besides, bee dwellings are not easy to disinfect. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the bee colony, possible diseases and infection with mites or viruses. Learn more about hives in the video.

Drawings and dimensions

The parameters of the buildings depend on what format of bee care was chosen by the beekeeper. It is customary to build a 10-frame Dadan hive according to the following dimensions:

• side pieces - 32 cm by 37.5 cm;
• walls (including front and back) - 32 cm by 55 cm;
• bottom - 47.5 cm by 10 cm by 3 cm;
• inner - 45 cm.

For frames, folds of 1.5 cm by 1.5 cm are required. The standard width of the Dadan profile is 43.5 cm. The following parameters are suitable for a medium-sized beehive:

• body - 50 cm by 58 cm by 108 cm;
• standard number of frames - 24 pieces;
• frame sizes - 43.5 cm by 30 cm.

Attention! Beds and beehives of Dadan - are used on the territory of Russia more often than others. Simple care and familiar design allow novice beekeepers to quickly navigate the process of keeping bee colonies. But you can use other options.

Making a beehive with your own hands

In order to independently assemble a beehive from PPS - collapsible 10-frame - you need to prepare tools and materials according to the list:

• Styrofoam - medium sheets, 120cm x 55cm x 5cm;
• paint (water-based, usually white, but other colors are also possible);
• PPS cutting machine;
• glue, tape measure, stationery knife, marker, wood screws;
• metal mesh with 3.5 mm mesh;
• plastic corners (1 cm by 1 cm, 2 cm by 2 cm);
• wooden bars;
• screwdriver and electric jigsaw.

Tools are prepared in advance, they check their performance. You will need a large, clean desktop to assemble.

Attention! To work with power tools, you will need some experience. It is important to follow the safety rules when handling - the devices must be in good condition.

Assembly is carried out according to the instructions given:

• select suitable drawings;
• mark on the teaching staff with a ruler and a marker;
• after cutting start assembly. Attention! It is important to apply glue liberally to the edges of the parts. After cutting, the sides are uneven to reduce the number of cracks and drafts, they are smoothed by applying an adhesive mass;

• additionally parts need to be fastened with self-tapping screws;
• collect the "skirt" of the bee house;

• fix plastic corners;

• cut out openings on the sides for carrying (not through).

Before cutting the elements, it is necessary to double-check the dimensions and their compliance with the drawings. Using the building level will help to assemble a smooth, stable structure. Learn more about the nuances of assembly in the video.

Usage Tips

Keeping bees in PPS hives has some peculiarities:

• it is necessary to make the structures heavier (especially if the houses are left to winter on the street);
• condensation may accumulate inside, causing mold to develop on the walls of the building;
• disinfection in some cases can be done with a blowtorch;
• it is required to leave holes for ventilation so that the air inside does not stagnate, but also does not freeze.

In addition, you need to take into account the peculiarities of the content of the selected breed of insects. Beekeepers note that in the PPS houses, the bees do not gather into a ball in winter, but continue to move.

Beekeepers use different materials to build beehives. Expanded polystyrene is distinguished by its low price, ease of handling, and availability. Beekeepers can assemble different designs from PPS, given standard sizes. It is worthwhile to study the features of assembly and care of bees in advance.

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