The Honey Factory

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Apis mellifera said:
Its Staghorn Sumac here and can produce a lot of nectar.
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I recently did a little research on staghorn sumac. I know, it’s one of the age old debates about planting for the bees, but “you know the bees travel like 3 miles away to get what they need.” Staghorn would be blooming now if we had it. Right now is the Chinese Talo flow for us. I was thinking along the lines of something for when the dearth hits. Of course, in Fall, golden rod is king in these parts and they will be mega busy!
 
What do you guys think about these frames, made completely out of plastic:
1718478208801.png

Apart from they are quite expensive...
https://www.betterbee.com/frames/plastic-medium-frames-each.asp
 
The guy from whom i bought my Russian hive told me repeatedly: »Good quality plastic is your friend! It won't rust or rot nor will it develop holes or gaps where pests can hide from the bees.«

I doubt that any commercially sold frames are still made in the USA now. And i am not so sure about what kind of wood is being used for frame-parts nowadays - in China! They fake everything.

I remember the issues i had with the metal queen excluders. It took the bees a full season to fill all the gaps between the rods and the cross-braces with propolis and they got hot in the sun. The plastic sheets i use now are one single piece without gaps, crevices holes.

So having frames that are just a single piece without any gaps and holes sound enticing to me. But the price, nah!
 
All plastic frames are fine for beekeeping. Bees dont know the difference between wood and plastic and dont care. They're very good for honey supers and last forever. The only issue for me is brood frames. Brood frames need to be rotated out as they get old. Bees wax holds disease and chemicals overtime that can affect brood and queen rearing. Pushing out old plastic foundation from wooden frames and putting in new ones for me is easier and cheaper overall. Plastic foundation got bad reviews when it first came out because of poor wax application. Thats changed, extra heavy waxed foundation is available.
WannaBeHillBilly said:
I doubt that any commercially sold frames are still made in the USA now. And i am not so sure about what kind of wood is being used for frame-parts nowadays - in China! They fake everything.
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As far as I know almost all frames and woodenware are made in the USA including high end beekeeping equipment. For woodenware, Humble Abodes/Betterbee, Miller Bee Supply, Hansen Honey Farm, Western Bee Supply, Dadant, are just the ones I know off the top of my head. Im sure there are plenty of others. USA plastic frames, Pierco (I dont recommend), Acorn, Premier, (both excellent). High density poly hives USA made, Superior Bee. In my opinion the very best honey processing equipment is Maxant, my extractor will last for generations. Dadant is also USA made HPE. If you want to go big or go home, Cook & Beals :lol:.
Locally for me there are Amish that make great woodenware for a great price.

Almost forgot: Pierce Beekeeping makes great USA made uncapping knifes and tools.
 
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We have a week plus of 90 plus coming
5Australorpasaures said:
pulled the inner covers and shimmed the back of the outer cover for better drafting
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I gather you recommend doing this? I haven't heard of it, but I haven't heard of a LOT of things!

Other than that and keeping sources of water available, what else do you recommend?
 
Sally PB said:
We have a week plus of 90 plus coming

I gather you recommend doing this? I haven't heard of it, but I haven't heard of a LOT of things!

Other than that and keeping sources of water available, what else do you recommend?
Click to expand...
It gives a better air flow by increasing venting where the inner cover has that little notch that does nothing more than give them another entrance. Two 1/4" blocks on the back corner increased the flow area by roughly 56" tapering front to back. Granted it tapers from 0 to a 1/4" but the fanning of the bees gets better flow. Other than water and air I don't do any thing else.
 

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