Comparison of Plastic Apimaye Hive with Wooden Langstroth Hive for Improved Winterizing Efficiency and Mite Control

Abstract

The wooden langstroth beehive has been commonly used around the world since the early twenties. Pesticides and the global spread of the varroa mite (V. destructor) continue to stress honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies making them even more susceptible to frigid winters in northern climates. These challenges are critical to address as humans have become dependent on domesticated bees for honey and pollination, thus challenging researchers to explore alternative hive designs. Conventional wood is not always adequate for insulating bees when temperature conditions are under 50 degrees (F), much like Minnesota winters. For this reason, additional insulation or “cozy wraps” are often necessary for winterizing a wooden beehive. Data was collected through “Broodminder” citizen science technology to examine temperature and humidity differences between two hive designs. The hives being studied included the “Apimaye” plastic hive and the traditional wooden langstroth hive to test which is best at overall winterization efficiency. Findings suggest that there was a significant difference in the temperature and humidity levels, between the wooden and plastic bee hives. Future monitoring must continue in order to fully understand the overall winterization efficiency and mite levels between the two hives.