The Flow Bee Hive lies in the bees’ tendency to store honey in the upper part of the hive. A queen excluder is placed between the upper and lower bee boxes to prevent the queen from laying eggs in the upper section. As a result, the upper section is not used for egg-laying, and the bees eventually fill it with honey and seal it. When we use a crankshaft to break the hexagonal honeycomb cells, the stored honey flows down through the channels. That is the principle of the Flow Bee Hive.

Is Flow Bee Hive Right For Me?

Keeping bees in the forest is more challenging, but the bees can gather nectar more happily, resulting in a greater diversity of pollen and a more balanced nutritional composition in the honey.
In many mountainous regions of Europe, there are not many flat areas for beekeeping. Since the terrain is naturally sloped in mountainous areas, there are limited options for placing beehives. All operational and machinery equipment cannot be too large. Unlike beekeepers in flat areas who can transport equipment with trucks, beekeepers in mountainous areas can only pursue compact and refined beekeeping operations. They can only transport equipment on motorcycles and sometimes rely on manual labor for moving. Therefore, many honey producers in Europe cannot transport their honey in whole barrels using trucks to drying facilities. Instead of extracting honey that requires machine drying, they opt for “ripened honey,” which naturally seals after a few days of fanning the honey with bee wings. The Flow Bee Hive is very suitable for them. Not only in Europe, but the Flow Hive is suitable for beekeepers worldwide because it does need not the complex process of honey extraction. There is no need to move the beehive, and honey can be directly harvested.”

Where to Position My Flow Bee Hives?

When it comes to setting up your Flow Bee Hives, the location plays an important role in your beekeeping. Moving beehives around your property can be challenging, as bees have highly developed navigational skills sensitive to changes in location. Even a small distance can confuse the bees, causing them to return to their original site. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the site selection for your new hive.

There are three key factors to keep in mind when choosing the perfect spot for your Flow Bee Hive: shelter, orientation, and safety.

Sheltered Position for Colony Strength

The location of your beehive will directly impact the overall strength and productivity of your colony. It is advisable to choose a sheltered position that protects from harsh weather conditions. In cooler climates, opt for a dry and sunny location to maximize warmth and sunlight exposure. On the other hand, in hotter climates, some shade can be beneficial, especially during the scorching summer months. Additionally, facing the hive entrance away from prevailing winds will prevent excessive exposure and help maintain a stable internal environment. In the northern hemisphere, consider a southerly direction for the entrance, while in the southern hemisphere, a northerly direction is ideal.

Safety Considerations: Waste and Stability

Safety should always be a top priority when deciding on the placement of your hive. Bees excrete waste up to approximately 15 meters from the hive. These small yellow or orange dots can stain surfaces such as clothing, cars with light-colored paint, or even washing hanging nearby. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to position your hive over a less frequented area of your yard or rooftop, ensuring that the flight path of the bees does not interfere with commonly used spaces.

Furthermore, it is essential to provide a sturdy and stable base for your hive. A firm foundation prevents wobbling, ensuring the safety of both the bees and the beekeeper during hive inspections and maintenance. Consider using materials like bricks, concrete blocks, or steel posts to create a stable base that also allows easy access for your beekeeping activities. This not only enhances the durability of the hive but also facilitates your interactions with the colony.

Optimal Tilt for Honey Extraction

During the honey harvesting process, the Flow Frames in your hive need to be tilted backward to allow the honey to flow smoothly into the collection tubes. To achieve optimal draining, it is recommended to slope the hive at an angle of 2.5 to 4.0 degrees backward. This translates to a tilt of approximately 15mm (1/2 inch) over the length of the hive. By ensuring the appropriate tilt, you can maximize the efficiency of honey extraction and streamline the collection process.

The location of your Flow Bee Hive is a critical aspect of successful beekeeping. By considering factors such as shelter, orientation, and safety, you can create an environment that promotes the well-being of your colony and facilitates efficient honey extraction. Careful planning and attention to detail in positioning your hive will contribute to the overall productivity and enjoyment of your beekeeping experience.

If you are interested in acquiring Flow Bee Hives or have any inquiries regarding our beekeeping equipment and honey processing machines, please don’t hesitate to contact us.