#Langstroth hive

[generalstrikefarm]

When we placed this Langstroth hive I didn't consider how much the weight of cherries would drag down the branches. It's going to be a little bit of a hassle to work on.

[rmspeltzfarm]

Saving wax the easy way

[foxthebeekeeper]

Still here!

[mannlibrary]

Lorenzo Langstroth unvarnished

Lorenzo Langstroth, 1890. From Langstroth on the hive & honey bee, rev. by Dadant. 1892.

December 25th, Christmas Day, is a day for sharing and giving. It also happens to be the birthday of a man known as the father of American beekeeping: Lorenzo Langstroth, born Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1810. With both happy occasions in mind, Mann Library is pleased to announce a resource that we’re pretty sure students of beekeeping and its history will find a wonderful gift: a fully digitized, searchable copy of Langstroth’s handwritten personal journal. Where a researcher would have once had to make an in-person trip to our special collections reading room to attempt a deciphering of Langstroth’s (infamously difficult to read) handwriting, the journal is now freely available (and actually readable!) as both a digitized version of the original work and in a transcribed form as part of the online Biodiversity Heritage Library.

Page from "Journal on matters relating to bees, etc.," unpublished manuscript, Lorenzo Langstroth 1852-1895. in the special collections of Albert R. Mann Library, Cornell University.

For those not yet fully in the know, Lorenzo Langstroth looms large in American beekeeping history thanks to discoveries and inventions he made as a self-taught apiarist, innovations which essentially revolutionized the 19th century practice of beekeeping in North America and facilitated its development into the profitable industry of today. His guide on beekeeping, The Hive and the Honeybee, was first published in 1853 and remains in print even today.  Langstroth’s story is also poignantly notable for a reason that you don’t have to a be a beekeeper to appreciate deeply: his struggles with debilitating depression, which stymied many of his professional endeavors. While working intermittently as a pastor and teacher when his mental health allowed, Langstroth found constant, life-affirming inspiration in the bee world he observed closely through the prism of the hives he kept for most of his adult life.

The history of beekeeping stretches back to prehistoric times, but when Langstroth patented his movable frame beehive in 1852 it created a worldwide revolution in the practice of keeping bees. On this page of his journal, we see the exact moment—the “aha” moment—that Langstroth landed on his brilliant insight: the significance of applying the concept of "beespace" to design hives that allow easier harvesting of honey than possible in earlier hive structures. The rest, as they say, is history.

The journal Langstroth kept is a treasure for several reasons. It provides fascinating insight into pivotal moments of beekeeping’s technological history. It is, as well, an intimate view of resilience in face of sometimes devastating mental health challenges. And last but really not least, in the comments and pet peeves that Langstroth also recorded in his ongoing notes-to-self, his off-the-record writing offers a more mundane but no less instructive tour through the day-to-day concerns—from keeping bee hives productive to the vexing challenges of protecting trade secrets and securing patents for promising new discoveries in a timely way—that would have been top-of-mind for any aspiring agricultural entrepreneur of the 19th century.

Page from "Journal on matters relating to bees, etc.," unpublished manuscript, Lorenzo Langstroth 1852-1895. in the special collections of Albert R. Mann Library, Cornell University.

The online availability of Langstroth’s journal in both its handwritten and transcribed form has been a work very long in the making. When early 20th century entomologist Everett Franklin Phillipps joined the Cornell faculty 1924, he made it his mission to establish one of the world’s most important collections of beekeeping materials—now known as the E. F. Phillips Collection at Mann Library. Recognizing the importance of one of this collections’ gems—the Langstroth journal—for the beekeeping field, Phillips began the painstaking process of transcribing 600 pages of its cramped, highly slanted script—rendered even more illegible by the frequent ink bleed-through from other pages—into easily readable typescript. The project remained unfinished at the time of Phillips passing in 1951, and others took up the work intermittently over the following decades. But it wasn’t until the epic pandemic-era national lockdown of 2020 that intrepid collections specialist Betsy Elswit finally found herself with the time needed to finish transcribing of the journal's final 200 pages.  Thanks to this heroic work, a browse through the work on the Biodiversity Diversity Heritage Library today provides a look at Langstroth’s original writing with a side-by-side view of transcribed, machine-readable text.  Thank you Betsy! And thank you, Reverend Langstroth, for persevering through the inspirational highs and deep lows of life to impact the practice of beekeeping so profoundly, and to leave us such a rich record of such remarkable scientific observation and personal achievement.

And with that, we leave you with our best wishes for a good, hope-filled winter holiday season!

[jackalgirl]

[ Image description: photograph of a device on a hotel breakfast counter. The device is holding a single Langstroth (I think?) frame of honeycomb in an upright position within a glass frame. There is a spout with a wood-handled ball valve in front, and a bowl underneath the spout to capture drips, which is partially filled with golden honey. The frame has no foundation installed, and the comb itself is dark brown and only partially uncapped. A small attached sign reads “Miel - honey”. End ID. ]

I am in Costa Rica on a student tour. In our hotel, there is this thing: I am pretty sure this is a honey subscription service with the Linda Vista Farm (and Apiary, obviously).

Costa Roca is very much into sustainability and eco-tourism, and it shows: to me, this display is perfect, and captures so much information about it in one compact package:

1) The lack of foundation: I think there are wires in their for support, but these bees are not being encouraged to build on foundation. They can do their own thing; imo this is good. Plus, the support that a beekeeper might need to provide if they’re going to extract the honey by spinning the frames is not needed here. You can see the beeways that the bees have built for themselves to transit between combs, which is neat.

2) The color of the wax: fresh wax is light gold in color, so this dark brown wax is old. These frames are being reused, which totally makes sense for a subscription service for this dispenser, and if that’s what they’re doing, I suspect that you just turn in an empty frame for a full one (or maybe you get a whole hive body of 10 frames). The benefit of this for the bees is that they don’t have to rebuild the frames (making wax is metabolically expensive). Cons, though, could be that diseases might be transmitted this way, especially if the frame goes into a different colony’s hive.

3) Most of the cells were uncapped. I think that the hotel staff uncaps sections of the comb as needed, rather than the whole thing at once, which I think would flood the device.

It’s just absolutely brilliant; I cannot stop thinking about it.

If you’re a beekeeper, especially if you’re from Costa Rica and/or know more about La Granja Linda Vista, please reblog and add your thoughts!

[sanguinarysanguinity]

For your WIP game, how about 'steady' or 'playful'?

Thank you for the words! No hits for 'playful', but I can give you 'play' while they're feeling playful! Both from Langstroth on Bees.

Play(ful):

We made our way back to our cottage, casting each other sly and bemused glances, both of us feeling inordinately foolish with the joy of our squandered morning. In fact, I planned to squander quite the remainder of it, if he let me. Unfortunately, he was temperamental enough to play the coquette and spend the rest of the morning with his hives, simply for the pleasure of leaving me longing for him. I hoped that this morning he would spare me.

Steady:

"Oh, give me strength," I muttered, and marked my page. I took refuge from his agitation in our workroom, well out of the orbit of his pacing. There, I tried to lose myself in the steady rhythm of saw, chisel, and sandpaper -- working not on his gift, but something I could afford to ruin with a careless slip of the chisel -- but I only found myself stewing in my irritation, muttering imprecations against him as I worked.

[thebeeblog-scott]

The Buzz on Honey Bees and Their Business

The Buzz on Honey Bees and Their Business: Selling Honey Equipment Online

The honey bee, a small insect with a vital role in our ecosystem, has increasingly become the center of attention not just for its environmental significance, but for its burgeoning business opportunities. If you're passionate about honey bees and want to delve into the world of honey-making, then the online market has a plethora of equipment and tools to get you started. From essential beekeeping supplies to those crucial finishing touches like heat shrink bands for jars and bottles, you're just a click away from starting your honey business.

Understanding the Honey Bee Business

Before diving into the types of equipment you can sell online, it's crucial to understand the honey bee business. As these industrious creatures collect nectar, they produce honey—a sweet, golden liquid loved by many. But turning that liquid gold into a market-ready product requires specific tools and techniques.

Essential Equipment for Honey Extraction

Beehives: The primary home for your honey bees. They come in various styles, but the most common are the Langstroth and Top-bar hives.

Bee Suits: These protective suits ensure beekeepers can handle their bees without the risk of stings.

Smokers: Used to calm bees during hive inspections.

Honey Extractors: A device that spins frames, extracting honey without damaging the honeycombs.

Perfecting the Packaging Process

Once you've successfully harvested your honey, the next step is packaging. This is where details like shrink wrap bands for jars come in.

Glass Jars and Bottles: When we muse about honey, the quintessential, timeless packaging we think of? That's right. Glass. They stretch across the spectrum in sizes, some tiny like a delicate thimble, others hefty, holding treasures of amber nectar. Shapes? Oh, they dance from conventional rounds to eclectic hexagons. Catering to the ever-evolving market, they stand resolute, each telling its tale.

Heat Shrink Bands for Jars and Bottles: You've seen heat shrink bands for bottles. Perhaps, without much thought. But, ever think of the genius behind these slender bands? Once dormant, with a hint of heat, they snap into action. Hugging your bottle or jar's neck, they promise safety, scream professionalism. Tamper? Think twice. These heat shrink bands for jars are guardians; their mere presence a challenge to any foul play.

Labels: Imagine walking through an aisle, and a myriad of jars beckon. What makes you pause, tilt your head and reach out? Often, it’s that piece of art draped around the bottle: The label. More than just a sticky piece of paper, it’s a canvas that whispers tales of the golden liquid within. And more than that, it often sings songs of the brand's ethos, legacy, and promises.

Selling Equipment Online:

Fancy a dive into the lucrative world of online honey-equipment sales? A realm awaits. You see, the beekeeper's world isn’t just filled with buzzing. Be it the newbie next door or the seasoned pro from the valley, they’re all scouring for top-notch gear. And while the basics hold their ground, why not sprinkle your inventory with diverse, vibrant heat shrink bands? Every hue, every size. And, to spice things up, keep an eye on the beekeeping vogue. Evolve, adapt, and stay a buzz ahead.

Conclusion:

It’s not just about the hum and the honey. The bee business? It’s a tapestry. Threads of art, science, and commerce intertwining. And as for success? Well, get the gear right. Whether it’s a state-of-the-art extractor or a humble heat shrink band, every cog matters. The golden road to triumph? Just around the corner.

Here's to the art of beekeeping and the sweet symphony it brings! Cheers!

[originallyjustolookatmemes]

Gonna add onto this as a beekeper myself.

ehh, i'd say you can abuse honey bees with harmful beekeeping practices. But they also WILL LEAVE if they want to. (them doing so is called absconding)

i do not have any sources other than my personal opinion, experience, and gathered knowledge from various in person lectures from beekeepers with doctorates over the last couple years.

You can be neglectful and harmful to your beehives. Many beekeepers rob as much honey as they can from their hives, resulting in increased losses of colonies. And you the beeekeeper going inside their hive to inspect is a pretty large stressor on that colony. You want to be as quick as you can and as careful as you can to minimize the stress you are inflicting. (how would you like it if someone tore apart your house, rearranged it, left your walls unsealed and with drafts, killed several if not dozens of your housemates in the process of putting the house back together, and then you were stuck with the repair bill? not happy i presume.)

The majority of beekeeping research is aimed to maximise honey production, not quality of honey bees. and even then the quality of a queen is typically not judged on her survival, but in fact how much honey her colony produces, how "productive" her colony is. Swarming is discouraged because A it leaves the mother hive vulnerable to collapsing if the new queen is eaten while on a mating flight, but MAINLY for B, the loss of honey production durring the spring nectar flows because of reduced workforce.

Thats not to start on how the breeding for maximized honey production has likely led to increased vulnerability to varroa mites, or how the thermodynamics of a Langstroth hive set up is actually really un-beneficial to the bees.

As much as the bee movie got wrong, big time commercial beekeepers robbing honeybees to their detriment was the one of the very very few things it got right.

But its not the scientists doing this research's fault. They have to apply for grants and give a reason for why the research is being done. And if they dont appeal to those giving them the money, they cant do large scale professional research.

Anyway. it is a very nuanced topic. There is no strict yes or no answer.

(PS. if the honey that you are buying does not say raw honey, it has likely been either adulterated [made from feeding honeybeess sugar water, or actually cut with something like corn syrup], or has been processed in a way that ends up removing all the benefits of honey. the best honey to buy is honey from a local source and ideally one that you know the beekeeping practices of!)

Wild that folks keep saying beekeepers abuse bees as if bees are not both venomous flying animals and fully unionized

[generalstrikefarm]

It took two boxes to get the entire cluster but we just caught and installed a swarm in our spare Langstroth hive. It's almost certainly an unexpected split from our top bar hive. I wasn't expecting it for at least another week but we knew what to do and were ready.

[rmspeltzfarm]

Honey coming in full force into the farm

Honey coming in full force into the farm

[argonianprince]

There are literally giant bee farming companies that feed their bees Mountain Dew when flowers are out of season

Can you imagine expecting ANY animal to survive off of Mountain Dew and think that that's okay

These companies also keep their beehives all in one place, and the hives are all the same. Bees need their hives to be differently colored or shaped or placed, so they can identify which hive they live in. Keeping them so close together confuses the bees, which causes population drift, which helps spread disease and parasites

These hives are also generally an inferior version Langstroth hives, which were originally designed to give the bees sufficient space and insulation, but which the mass-produced, basically-made-of-plywood modern versions do not. The bees living in these conditions are often killed by cold, and also by being transported throughout the year to different monocrop farms.

The beekeepers treat mass murdering and then replacing at least half their bees every year as a regular business expense

vegans making honey a bee labour issue is the funniest thing imaginable because like, you picked the one animal that has already unionised

[meyerbees]

Everything You Need to Know About Honey Bee Hives for Sale

Beekeeping is an incredibly rewarding hobby and a vital part of pollination for gardens, orchards, and crops. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced beekeeper, acquiring high-quality hives is essential for a thriving colony. If you’re searching for honey bee hives for sale, you’re in the right place. Here’s what you need to know before making your purchase.

What Are Honey Bee Hives?

Honey bee hives are structured habitats designed to house colonies of bees. These hives provide shelter, protection, and an optimal environment for honey production and colony growth. They come in various styles, including Langstroth, Top-Bar, and Warre hives, each with unique benefits for different beekeeping preferences.

Benefits of Buying Honey Bee Hives

Choosing honey bee hives for sale offers several advantages, including:

Better Colony Management: Pre-built hives allow for a structured and organized approach to beekeeping.

Healthier Bees: High-quality hives create a safe environment, helping bees thrive and produce more honey.

Pollination Boost: Adding new hives to your apiary enhances pollination, benefiting surrounding plants and crops.

Customizable Options: Various hive styles let beekeepers choose the best fit for their needs.

When and Where to Buy Honey Bee Hives

The best time to purchase hives is in early spring when bees begin foraging, and colony expansion starts. Proper timing ensures your bees have ample time to establish themselves before winter. If you’re looking for reliable honey bee hives for sale, check out Meyer Bees. They offer high-quality hives suited for all levels of beekeeping.

How to Set Up a Honey Bee Hive

Once you acquire your hive, follow these steps for a successful setup:

Choose a Location: Look for a spot where bees will get good sun exposure and protection from strong winds.

Assemble the Hive: Ensure all hive components are securely in place before introducing the bees.

Introduce the Colony: Gently place your bees into the hive and allow them to acclimate.

Monitor Hive Activity: Check regularly to ensure the bees are building comb and the queen is laying eggs.

Provide Nutrition: Offer sugar syrup if necessary until the colony establishes a stable food source.

Final Thoughts

Investing in high-quality hives is essential for successful beekeeping. With the right approach and equipment, your bees will thrive and contribute to a healthier environment. If you’re ready to get started, explore honey bee hives for sale at Meyer Bees for premium options.

[fragariavescana]

Also in the 1850s, Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth established that bees would glue up a space narrower about 6mm and build comb in one wider than 9mm. But in the Bee Space between these two values they'd leave it clear. This insight allowed him to invent the modern hive, where the dimensions endure that the bees fill the removeable frames with comb and do not secure the frames to the wall of the box itself.

So it's the Gods giving us a nice well-proportioned road network to build our cities in.

Apparently a part of the reason why farmed bees stay in the beehives that humans build for them is because the farm hives are safer and sturdier. I don't know how a busy Discord server's worth of bugs that only have one brain cell each would logically conclude that the humans protect them from outside threats, illness and parasites, but if I understood right, the bees would be free to move away and build a new nest somewhere else any time they'd want, and they simply choose not to.

You know how in almost every culture, people have some concept of "if I sacrifice something that I made/grew/produced to the Gods, they will ward me and my harvest from evil"?

So, in a way, don't the bees willingly sacrifice a part of their harvest to an entity not only far greater than them, but nearly beyond their comprehension, in exchange for protection against natural forces wildly outside of their own control?

So tell me, beekeepers, what are you to your bees, if not a mildly eldritch God?

[boddigitals]

How to Build Your Own Beehive Step-by-Step

Beekeeping is a rewarding hobby that benefits both the environment and honey production. One of the first steps to getting started is building a beehive. A well-constructed hive provides a safe, efficient home for your bees, helping them thrive and produce honey. Follow this step-by-step guide to build your own beehive.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary materials. You will need:

Wooden boards (pine is a common choice)

A saw, hammer, and nails (or screws and a drill)

A measuring tape and pencil

Wood glue

A hive foundation (frames and foundation sheets)

For high-quality beekeeping supplies, visit Lappe’s Bee Supply to find everything you need.

Step 2: Cut and Assemble the Hive Box

A standard Langstroth hive consists of boxes stacked on top of each other. Measure and cut four wooden panels to create a rectangular box. Use nails or screws to attach the sides together, reinforcing the edges with wood glue.

Step 3: Install the Hive Frames

Inside the hive box, you will need frames where bees build their honeycomb. Place wooden frames with foundation sheets inside the hive box, making sure they fit snugly. The number of frames will depend on the size of your hive box.

Step 4: Attach the Bottom Board and Entrance Reducer

The bottom board serves as the hive’s floor. Secure it to the bottom of the hive box, leaving a small entrance for bees to come and go. An entrance reducer can help control ventilation and protect against pests.

Step 5: Add the Inner and Outer Covers

A hive cover protects your colony from harsh weather and predators. The inner cover provides insulation, while the outer cover acts as a protective roof. Secure both covers firmly on top of the hive.

Step 6: Paint and Place Your Hive

Paint or seal the hive’s exterior with a non-toxic, weather-resistant coating. Once dry, place your hive in a sunny, sheltered location away from strong winds and predators.

With these steps, you’re ready to welcome your bees! For expert advice and additional beekeeping resources, visit Lappe’s Bee Supply today.

[lappesbeesupply23]

Top-Quality Honeybee Supplies – Everything You Need for Successful Beekeeping

Beekeeping is a rewarding and essential hobby that not only provides fresh honey but also plays a significant role in supporting the environment. If you’re considering starting a beekeeping venture or upgrading your existing setup, having the right honeybee supplies is crucial. With the correct tools and equipment, your beekeeping journey will be more efficient, productive, and enjoyable. This article outlines the essential honeybee supplies you need to ensure success in your beekeeping endeavor.

Why Investing in Quality Honeybee Supplies is Essential

Beekeeping requires a range of specialized equipment that helps to care for and manage honeybee colonies. High-quality honeybee supplies ensure that your bees remain healthy, productive, and resilient to potential threats. From protective gear to hive components, investing in durable, reliable honeybee supplies can make a significant difference in the long-term success of your hive.

The Essential Honeybee Supplies for Every Beekeeper

Bee Hive Boxes The foundation of your beekeeping setup is the bee hive box. This is where the bees will create their colony, store honey, and raise their brood. You can choose from various types of hives, such as Langstroth hives or top-bar hives, depending on your preference and the specific needs of your bees. Make sure your honeybee supplies include sturdy hive boxes designed to provide ample space and ventilation for the colony.

Beekeeping Protective Gear Protecting yourself from bee stings is essential, especially for beginners. A good set of protective gear, such as a beekeeping suit, gloves, and a veil, should be a priority when stocking up on honeybee supplies. This gear helps you handle the bees safely and comfortably, reducing the risk of stings while working with the hives.

Bee Smoker A bee smoker is a crucial tool in any beekeeper’s kit. It helps calm the bees by releasing smoke that masks their pheromones and minimizes their aggression. Whether you’re inspecting the hive or harvesting honey, a bee smoker is one of the most important honeybee supplies to keep on hand.

Hive Tools Having the right hive tools is essential for opening and maintaining your hive. These tools help with tasks like removing frames, scraping off excess propolis, and inspecting for pests or diseases. A quality hive tool will make your work much easier, and it should be a permanent fixture in your list of honeybee supplies.

Beekeeping Books and Guides While not a physical “supply,” investing in beekeeping books or guides is an invaluable resource. These resources will provide essential knowledge on the behavior of bees, hive management, and troubleshooting common issues. Knowing how to handle your honeybee supplies and understanding how bees work can significantly improve your beekeeping experience.

Bee Feed and Supplements Depending on the season and local conditions, your bees may require additional food, such as sugar syrup or pollen supplements. Beekeepers often provide extra nutrition to ensure their colonies remain strong and healthy throughout the year. Including bee feed as part of your honeybee supplies helps your colony thrive and ensures consistent honey production.

Queen Excluders and Honey Harvesting Equipment If you want to collect honey efficiently, a queen excluder is necessary. It prevents the queen from laying eggs in the honey supers, ensuring that only honey is harvested. Along with this, you’ll need honey harvesting equipment such as an extractor, uncapping tools, and storage containers. These are important honeybee supplies for a successful honey harvest.

Maintaining Your Honeybee Supplies

It’s important to regularly inspect and maintain your honeybee supplies to ensure they remain in top condition. Clean your equipment after each use, and check for signs of wear and tear. Replacing damaged or worn-out items promptly will ensure that your beekeeping operation runs smoothly and that your bees remain safe and comfortable.

Conclusion

In beekeeping, the right honeybee supplies are essential for success. From protective gear to hive boxes, having the appropriate tools can make the difference between a thriving colony and one that struggles. Ensure that you’re well-equipped with high-quality, reliable supplies, and your bees will reward you with a healthy hive and bountiful honey harvest. Start your beekeeping journey with confidence, knowing that you have the right honeybee supplies to support your venture.