Lyla Lindsey
Australian native bees are small, stingless, hardworking insects that are excellent pollinators. They are also responsible for pollinating flowers that European bees cannot reach, such as the macadamia tree. Building a hive for these bees is a rewarding experience, and there are many designs to choose from. This introduction will cover the basics of creating an Australian native bee hive, including materials, design, and bee behaviour. We will also explore the benefits of providing a home for these fascinating creatures and discuss some of the challenges that may arise when establishing a new colony.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hive design | There are many designs for Australian native bee hives, and new ones are being created all the time. |
| Hive location | In a warm spot in the garden, preferably with morning sun, sheltered from extreme heat and cold winds. |
| Flowers for pollen and nectar | Within about 100 meters of the nest. |
| Water supply | Desirable in hot areas. |
| Hive material | Timber, such as Western Red Cedar, which is resistant to decay from rot if kept off the ground. However, it is poisonous to insects. |
| Hive size | Depends on the species of bee; for example, Hockingsi bees can live in a hive of about 230mm x 160mm x 110mm, while Tetragonula Carbonaria bees prefer a square hive design of 150-160mm square internal. |
| Hive structure | A lid, honey collection area, top brood box, base brood box, and a base. |
| Brood | A comb-like structure within the hive where the queen bee lays her eggs. It is key to successfully starting a native bee hive. |
| Queen bee | A noticeably larger bee with an extended abdomen. |
| Stingless bees | Australian native stingless bees are small, hardworking, and efficient pollinators. |
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What You'll Learn
Stingless bee requirements
Stingless bees are tropical species that only occur naturally in the warmer parts of Australia. They are extremely efficient pollinators, increasing crop production by over 100% in some cases. They are also responsible for pollinating flowers that European bees cannot access, such as the macadamia tree.
When building a hive for stingless bees, it is important to consider the specific requirements of these bees to ensure their health and productivity. Firstly, the hive should be placed in a warm spot in the garden, preferably with morning sun exposure. It should be sheltered from extreme afternoon heat and protected from cold winds. The bees require a variety of flowers within a 100-metre radius for pollen and nectar collection. In hot regions, providing a water source near the nest is also recommended.
The design of the stingless bee hive can vary, but there are some key considerations. The hive should be constructed from timber that is resistant to decay and insulated to maintain a comfortable temperature for the bees. Some recommended timbers include western red cedar, which is highly resistant to rot, and cypress, which is ideal for wall thickness. However, it is important to note that western red cedar can be poisonous to insects, so alternative options may be preferable.
The hive should be designed to accommodate the bees' natural behaviour. For example, the Tetragonula Carbonaria and Hockingsi species prefer to have both a base box and a top box, using the base box for brood and the top box for stores. The Austroplebeia species, on the other hand, prefer a smaller hive and will often use the top box for brood when it gets warmer. To facilitate honey collection, a honey super can be added to the hive. Additionally, ensuring the hive has an entrance hole and angled vents can enhance its functionality.
Starting a stingless bee hive requires more than just the right design and location. Firstly, you will need an existing bee hive or colony to work with. You can either buy a colony or obtain one from a friend. To successfully establish the hive, brood is essential. Brood is a comb-like structure within the hive where the queen bee lays her eggs. Depending on the species, you may need to locate the queen bee or a queen cell, which is where new queens are developed. The queen bee is larger in size with an extended abdomen, making her easier to spot. Once you have the brood, place it in a box with bees and add a small amount of wax or resin from the hive on the entrance hole.
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Choosing the right timber
Timber Type:
Western Red Cedar (WRC) is a popular choice for bee hives due to its resistance to decay and rot. However, it is essential to be aware that WRC is poisonous to insects, and there are concerns about its potential detrimental effects on native bees. Some beekeepers prefer to avoid using WRC for their hives because of this reason.
Timber Dimensions:
The timber should be cut to standard sizes to ensure a proper fit and easy assembly. Australian carpenter Nick recommends using timber cut from either 140mm or 190mm WRC at 40mm thick for the walls of the hive. The height of the box can be adjusted to your desired size. For the brood boxes, a height of 68mm is recommended to encourage the bees to build large brood discs.
Timber Treatment:
To protect the timber from the elements and prolong its life, consider treating it with a non-toxic sealant or paint. Ensure that any treatments used are safe for bees and will not leach harmful chemicals into the hive.
Alternative Materials:
While timber is a traditional choice for bee hives, some beekeepers experiment with other materials like alloy composites. These alternative materials may offer advantages in terms of durability and ease of construction, but it is essential to ensure they are safe for the bees and do not interfere with their natural behaviours.
In summary, when choosing the right timber for an Australian native bee hive, consider the type of timber, its dimensions, and any necessary treatments. Remember that the health and safety of the bees should always be the top priority, so avoid materials that may be harmful to them.
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Hive design and size
The design and size of your Australian native bee hive are important factors to consider when building a hive. The hive design can vary depending on your geographic location and personal preferences. Here are some key considerations for hive design and size:
Design Materials
The materials used for the hive design are crucial. Some common materials include wood, specifically Western Red Cedar, which is highly resistant to decay from rot if kept off the ground. However, it's important to note that Western Red Cedar can be poisonous to insects, so proceed with caution when choosing this material. Other timbers that are weather-resistant often contain some form of natural insecticide, so it's important to research and select materials that are bee-friendly.
Hive Size
The size of the hive should accommodate the bees' natural behaviour and provide enough space for their brood and honey storage. The dimensions of the hive can vary, but here are some general guidelines: the hive should be deep enough to provide sufficient space, with layers or boxes that can be added on top as the colony grows. Each box can have specific functions, such as a brood box and a honey collection area. The internal dimensions of the boxes can be adjusted to the specific bee species, such as Tetragonula Carbonaria and Hockingsi, to ensure they have enough space for their brood and storage preferences.
Hive Features
The hive should have features that maintain a comfortable temperature for the bees. This includes siting the hive in a warm spot with morning sun, sheltering it from extreme afternoon heat, and protecting it from cold winds. Additionally, the hive should have proper ventilation and angled entrance holes to prevent water from entering during rain.
Brood and Queen Considerations
When starting a native bee hive, it's important to understand the role of brood and the queen. Brood is a comb-like structure within the hive where the queen bee lays her eggs. The hive design should accommodate the bees' natural brood-building behaviour, such as building upwards until they hit a plate that stops them, allowing them to store honey on top.
In summary, the design and size of an Australian native bee hive should take into account the bees' natural behaviour, environmental factors, and the specific needs of the bee species. By considering these factors, you can create a functional and comfortable home for your native bee colony.
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Brood and the queen bee
When creating an Australian native bee hive, it is important to understand the role of the queen bee and the brood. The queen bee is crucial for the health and stability of the hive. She is responsible for laying eggs and ensuring the continuation of the colony. The brood, on the other hand, refers to the comb-like structure within the hive where the queen lays her eggs.
To start an Australian native bee hive, you will need to obtain brood covered in bees from an existing hive. The brood is essential for successfully establishing a new colony. It is recommended to start with a small colony by transferring brood and bees into your new hive. The brood should be placed in a box with bees on it, along with a small amount of wax or resin from the original hive on the entrance hole. This will attract the bees and encourage them to continue building their structure.
The queen bee plays a vital role in the hive's dynamics. She is usually larger in size with an extended abdomen, making her stand out from the other bees. In some species, the queen cell, where the queen resides, can be found on the outside of the discs of brood, while in others, it may be located within the brood structure in random places. It is important to monitor the presence of the queen bee as her absence or death can lead to a decline in the bee population within the hive. When the queen is missing, the bees may exhibit changes in behaviour and their nest structure may become irregular.
In the case of a missing queen, the bees can create their own queen by modifying a normal worker cell. They achieve this by retaining the egg within the cell and expanding its walls to make it larger, providing more food for the larva to develop into a queen bee. This process often results in the modification of multiple cells within the hive.
The design of the hive should also take into account the needs of the brood and the queen bee. The hive should provide sufficient space for the bees to build their brood and ensure easy access for the queen to lay her eggs. Additionally, the materials used for the hive construction should be carefully considered. While Western Red Cedar is a popular choice for its weather resistance, it is important to note that it can be poisonous to insects, including bees. Therefore, alternative timber options that are safe for bees should be explored.
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Honey collection
The honey collection process itself can begin once the brood has been placed in a box with bees on it and a small amount of wax or resin from the hive has been placed on the entrance hole. The bees will then start to build their honeycombs.
To harvest the honey, one method is to use an alloy composite plate to separate the honey storage area from the rest of the hive. This plate is placed above the brood and the bees will build their honeycombs upwards until they hit the plate. This makes extracting the honey easier. The plate should be measured and cut to size, and then dropped into the hive and held in place with screws.
It is also important to consider the design of the hive and the materials used, as this can impact the honey collection process. For example, some people prefer to use timber with natural insecticides, such as western red cedar, to deter pests. However, others argue that this could be poisonous to the bees.
Additionally, the location of the hive should be considered. The hive should be placed in a warm spot in the garden with morning sun and protected from extreme heat and cold winds. The bees will also need access to flowers for pollen and nectar within a 100-metre radius, and a water supply in hotter areas.
Finally, it is important to monitor the health of the hive. If the bees appear weak or the nest structure is variable, they may need to be fed sugar water or a diluted honey-water mix to give them a boost.
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Frequently asked questions
The hive should be placed in a warm spot in the garden with exposure to the morning sun, but sheltered from extreme afternoon heat and cold winds. The bees require access to flowers for pollen and nectar preferably within 100 meters of the nest, and a supply of water in hot areas.
The timber used to build the hive should be resistant to decay and rot, such as western red cedar. However, it is important to note that western red cedar is poisonous to insects, so proceed with caution.
Brood, a comb-like structure within the hive, is key to successfully starting a native bee hive. Additionally, the presence of a queen bee or queen cell is important. The queen bee is noticeably larger with an extended abdomen.
The hive should be designed to the bee's height of brood, allowing for accurate divisions for propagation. The height of the walls should be considered, as taller walls will result in brood sitting above or below the center line. Angled entrance and vent holes can help prevent water from entering the box during rain.
