Effect of Using Different Beehive Materials in Cold Weather on the Bioactivity of Honeybees, Apis mellifera L.

Abstract

Insulation materials are important in the modern beehive industry to reduce the impact of the harsh external climatic conditions on the honeybees inside the hive, maintain optimum temperatures for the growth and development of honeybees, and maintain their vitality and activity. This study was conducted during winter to compare the performance of beehives made of styrofoam, plastic, and wooden hives as insulating materials. The styrofoam beehives were distinguished for their temperature retention throughout the study period, averaging 26.51°C, which outperformed each of the plastic and wood hives, with temperatures of 20.22°C and 20.59°C, respectively. No significant differences were recorded in terms of relative humidity inside the beehives. For the brood area, although there were no significant differences between the three types of beehives, the largest brood area was in styrofoam hives, which reached 34.25 inch², whereas the brood area for the plastic beehives reached 25.48 inch² and for the wooden hives reached 27.48 inch². Compared to the plastic and wood hives, bees in the styrofoam beehives consumed more honey as evidence of being more active than other types in the winter. Whereas, no significant differences were recorded in terms of pollen area for the three types of insulation materials.

Keywords:

 Brood, honey, pollen, relative humidity, temperature, insulation material.