PLASTIC hives

[mensplace]

I have read that in Britain and Australia there are now plastic hives that are essentiall totally complete turn key systems to increase the bee population even in the cities. I am 60 and have health issues that would prevent me from lifting and moving frames and supers, but very much need to have bees for my orchard and gardens. Last year, here in Georgia, I saw virtually none. I have no interest in harvesting the honey. So, maybe heresy for some of you, but are there strains of bees yet available or systems that would minimize insect invasion, bee health problems, or varroa. Too, might such "turn key", low maintainance, plastic hives be available for such a home use. Suggestions and leads appreciated. mensplace@bellsouth.net Cartersville

[Dalantech]

Not sure about the plastic hives, but I was looking at this site as a possible first hive for myself: Back Yard Hive. Seems like a good solution for someone who's not all that interested in the honey -although you can harvest some and the weight of the top bars aren't too bad.

[mensplace]

Thank You for the lead. Years ago I had about six very large hive. One day I went out to look at them on a wet, rainy day. This really angered them and the emergency room visit was NOT fun and costly. Now, with every ligament and tendon from my nect to my hips turning to bone, I can't even think of lifting anything...BUT, the fruits and veggies here north of Atlanta NEED the pollenation. I had NO fruit last year. Essentially, I just want something to put in place and let them tend to being bees. Thanks for the lead

[jbeshearse]

You might consider Blue Orchard Bees, see this link

http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234988

jeb

[beedeetee]

I second the Mason Bee suggestion. My honey bees fly around my fruit trees to forage unknown plants that they like better. My Mason Bees actually pollinate my fruit trees.

Their homes are just cardboard tubes. Another plus for you is no honey. No real maintenance either.

[Rohe Bee Ranch]

Is this what you are looking for?

http://www.omlet.co.uk/shop/shop.php...larity&start=0

However Mason bees might suit your needs better.

http://www.masonbeehomes.com/

Homemade houses:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/no...9/note109.html

[Michael Bush]

What I've done to help with lifting:
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeshorizontalhives.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beestopbarhives.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeseightframemedium.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beescarts.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm

[SgtMaj]

I believe you're thinking about the beehaus plastic hive. IMO, you're better off getting cheaper wooden or styrofoam hive(s) simply because the beehaus is so expensive.

[sjbees]

The Australian plastic hive is not a Beehaus, it is a Lang alternative in poly which is not unlike the ones sold by Betterbee except that instead of being oriented towards insulation for cold weather they are UV-stabilized for insulation in hot weather.

http://www.aussiehive.com.au/
http://www.bindaree.com.au/pricelist...astic_hive.htm

I doubt plastic would provide any advantage over wood in Atlanta and a Lang hive will not solve the lifting problem.

> Years ago I had about six very large hive.

Presumably you still have equipment then. If so, the best bet would be a long hive on tall legs that uses standard frames. A 3' long hive would hold over 20 frames which is sufficient for a hive that is not cared for. Feral colonies are viable w/60 litres and a 3' long hive would be over 100 litres.

Long hives are easy to make. You can even cut up existing Langs to get the end panels, and run a sheet of exterior ply for the sides. Staple #8 galvanized screen to the underside along with a couple of cross braces to prevent the ply from bowing, and it's done. You don't need to rabbet the ply because there will be no supers added. Let the frames rest on top of the full width and adjust your cover accordingly.

[longrangedog]

Mensplace, Check your PMs.