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THE HIVE - A HOME FOR YOUR HONEY BEES <br /> 0 • In northern climates, we recommend keeping bees in Langstroth equipment (Figure 20). This standard <br /> equipment is designed to match the volume of a natural nest cavity and the "bee space" that bees <br /> naturally leave between combs. Lorenzo L. Langstroth developed this hive design in the 1800's. <br /> • There are a number of different iterations of hive designs that beekeepers use. We love <br /> experimentation, but we strongly encourage new beekeepers to begin with Langstroth boxes for two <br /> years before exploring other options. Many alternative hive bodies are not appropriate for northern <br /> climates as the volume is not large enough to allow bees to store enough honey to survive winter. <br /> • Starting out beekeeping, it is easy to misjudge the amount of food the bees need to overwinter in <br /> northern climates. To help ensure the bees have enough food to survive our long winters, we suggest <br /> beekeepers stick to Langstroth-style brood boxes, and manage their bees using the 3-deep system <br /> described in this manual. <br /> • Many beekeepers choose to purchase already assembled beekeeping equipment. This is a fine choice, <br /> and you will only need to paint the outside of the boxes, as described below. <br /> The following instructions are for those that purchase equipment requiring assembly. <br /> If you choose to make your own equipment, buy one set of standard equipment and use it as a pattern to make <br /> more. Check the website Z.umn.edu/Gary for plans with dimensions of standard equipment. <br /> • All of the hive box joints should be tight to eliminate drafts. <br /> • Use the proper size nails and glue for each joint. Some beekeeper equipment suppliers provide nails <br /> with the knocked down (KD or unassembled) equipment; others do not. Galvanized nails are best for <br /> boxes. <br /> • When nailing or stapling, make sure to nail or staple straight and do not split the wood. <br /> it. r <br /> '` ,- ltd ri <br /> ,— <br /> c.',30:71‘ <br /> , <br /> i; .- ,,'• iy, 0 k•it.,,,,,":•,•1„,.• s•-,.... , <br /> .Et^ --..t:-:* <br /> t '-.• • doh �• . <br /> c %lei+• df 4w , i c� *; 0.F, r <br /> ., �, ,fir a i- .l-x <br /> r a- ; l ti ,. <br /> ii• \',7 . • . i . .'•,'-- f,ft.:;...*.iikra -14,,,-:, '-. • ' a , „14 i.--y!,• .. 0 ---- .:,. .... ":„v:', ,.. ---\ • <br /> i <br /> x <br /> Figure 20. Beekeepers inspecting colonies kept in Langstroth boxes. <br /> Beekeeping in Northern Climates 19 <br />