Beehive Components

Hive boxes, frames, and bottom boards are essential components of a beehive, each playing a crucial role in the functionality and health of a bee colony.

1. Hive Boxes (Supers): Hive boxes, also referred to as supers or hive bodies, are the main structures that house the bee colony. They are available in various sizes, such as deep, medium, and shallow, to accommodate different stages of bee development and honey storage. These boxes are typically constructed from durable materials like wood or plastic and are designed to be stacked vertically. This vertical stacking allows beekeepers to easily access different sections of the hive for inspection, maintenance, and honey extraction.
2. Frames: Frames are rectangular structures that hold beeswax foundation sheets within the hive boxes. These foundation sheets provide a template for bees to build honeycomb, where they store honey, raise brood (young bees), and store pollen. Frames are essential for hive organization and management, allowing beekeepers to inspect the health and progress of the colony, as well as harvest honey without damaging the comb. Frames can be easily removed from the hive for inspection or extraction, making them a versatile and practical component of beekeeping.
3. Bottom Board: The bottom board serves as the base of the hive, providing stability and support for the entire structure. It also includes an entrance reducer, which is a small barrier that can be adjusted to control the size of the hive entrance. This entrance reducer helps regulate airflow and temperature within the hive, as well as protect the colony from pests and intruders. Additionally, the bottom board may feature a screened bottom for improved ventilation and pest control.
4. In summary, hive boxes, frames, and bottom boards are fundamental components of a beehive, working together to create a suitable environment for bee development, honey production, and colony maintenance. Understanding the function and importance of these components is essential for beekeepers to effectively manage their colonies and promote the health and productivity of their bees.

The first of its kind on the UK market, the Abelo 12 Frame National Poly Hive offers fully rebated super and brood boxes which are designed to accommodate 12 x National frames.

The Abelo 12 Frame Poly Hive offers the same host of features included in all the poly hives we manufacture such as high density, steam moulded polystyrene (160g/l), entrance blocks with brood boxes/supers, rot proof plastic floors and integrated plastic frame runners.

 £303.50 inc. VAT