The Basic Components of the Honey Bee Hive
The honey bee hive consists of several boxes that are named after their colony use versus simply the size.
The most common naming convention among beginning beekeepers is simply a brood box and a super. The brood box is the box where the queen lays her eggs (the “brood”) and the super box is where the remaining worker bees place the honey stores. So, you may also hear them called honey supers.
The more experience beekeepers tend to use the size and function in their names, so you may a “deep box” or “deep brood box”, which refers to the box as before where the queen lays her eggs.
Super boxes for the Langstroth hive come in 3 sizes:
- shallow ask known as
- medium also known as an Illinois Super
- or the no longer commonly use Wisconsin Super
Then we have top and bottom boards that also come in different variations:
Top boards with inner and outer covers, used mostly up north and Migratory Top boards more commonly used in Florida since we don’t have a huge temperature differential that causes condensation inside the hive.
Bottom boards can be solid or screened. The screened bottom board is known to be used in the control of the varroa destructor mite.
Then we have frames and sometimes we have foundation.
Want a to learn from a UF Advanced Master Beekeeper?
Now you can train one-on-one with Timothy. It's a private class with private beekeeping lessons tailored to your specific needs. You can choose from 1 to 4 hours. You don't have to live in the area, simply plan to visit Tim the next time you want to take a trip to Florida. First, choose the amount of time you want to train, share what you hope to learn, provide us with your two date selections and the names of those you are inviting to your private lesson. Then we will customize your lessons to focus on your requested needs before you arrive.
These classes are held at our apiary in Cape Coral, Florida. Sessions may involve being in a hive (nice weather only) or sitting down with Tim. You may bring others with you, such as a friend or spouse, but the more you bring the less one-on-one it is.
The One-on-One private lessons are not designed to teach you how to START to beekeep. If you are serious about learning to keep bees, we recommend you start by taking the Intro to Beekeeping class and use these one-on-one private lessons to supplement your learning AFTER you have taken the foundational basics.
Gift certificates are available for download after payment for the One-on-One Private Lessons, if you want to give a beekeeper a wonderful gift!
Time: Schedule varies
Select your two (2) date preferences to allow for scheduling and we will do our best to accommodate your choices.
Required:
- appropriate attire, including closed toed shoes, socks, long pants. Cap or hat recommended
- a signed eWaiver here => https://app.cleverwaiver.com/render/templateByRefI...
- children under 17 to be accompanied by paid adult
- private lessons are limited to 3 people to make sure everyone gets to enjoy the full experience
Private Lessons include:
- protective clothing, includes jacket with veil, gloves for use during lesson
- equipment, including smoker, hive tool for use during lesson
- bottled water
- REFUND Policy:
- Cancellations received prior to confirmation are eligible for a Full Refund.
- Cancellations received after confirmation, but prior to 48 hours prior to the confirmed tour will receive a 75% refund
- NO Refunds within 48 hours of a confirmed reservation.
- Refunds are at the full discretion of GreenView Aquaponics, LLC
- Rainchecks will be given in the event of inclement weather, which includes not only rain, but also winds over 25mph to allow Private Lessons to be rescheduled for a mutually convenient time.
- You may also transfer a ticket or gift certificate to another party in the same age range prior to the start of the lesson. Transferred party must sign waiver.
Other options:
Learn more: How to Select a Bee Smoker
