Bee houses are closed small ecosystems, for which the ceiling is a mandatory element. Beginning beekeepers need to know what they can use to make canvases for hives themselves. The beekeeper will not need to use a large amount of materials, but it is important to study the recommendations and nuances of making it yourself. Correctly made blocks will help the bees create the right microclimate inside.
Why are canvases needed in hives?
No house can do without a ceiling, and the home of insects is no exception.The canvas acts as the top covering of the house, with which you can perform the following tasks:
- creating and maintaining a certain temperature;
- protection from external factors (snow, rain, wind, debris and others);
- preventing bee theft (other insects may encroach on the family’s reserves);
- preparing the house and bee colony for the winter.
Attention! Beekeepers recommend having several spare canvases in boxes. The material wears out and bees can chew through it. For the winter, it is worth adding oilcloth or other fairly durable fabric.
Variety of materials
Beekeepers often argue over the choice of fabric to cover bee hives. For canvases use:
- sackcloth;
- cotton type tarpaulin;
- polyethylene (usually in combination with burlap);
- canvases for drawing (sold in art stores);
- linen, cotton (old sheets or tablecloths, for example);
- polypropylene bags (sugar or flour);
- materials from awnings, soldiers' tents;
- moisture-proof films and fabrics.
Each option has advantages and disadvantages (which is why disputes between beekeepers do not subside). The following video is suitable for beginner beekeepers.
Practical use
In manuals and recommendations they write about making an element from burlap. The use of each type of material is different and has some features:
- burlap - in practice, more debris penetrates the hives through such fabric, insects crawl through the threads and gnaw through them (bees can get stuck and die);
- cotton - use old sheets that absorb moisture, at the same time ventilate and maintain temperature (you need to make sure that the fabric is not wet).Attention! The edges of the selected pieces need to be processed. You can use an overlocker or fold it by hand and then hem it. Otherwise, insects may become entangled in the remaining threads;
- kumach or silk is a material that was used in the Soviet years, the advantages are that it “breathes”, but does not become damp, does not form mold, but such fabric is difficult to purchase in stores;
- polyethylene or polypropylene - inexpensive, can be purchased or used from the packaging of purchased goods, the main disadvantage is that there is no usual ventilation, so you need to bend the edges.
Flour or sugar bags are also suitable - the material is durable, thanks to the weaving, air passes through. One makes four canvases.
DIY making
To make a two-layer canvas, you need to follow these steps (according to instructions from beekeeper Sergei Rusin):
- cut window mesh (nylon, cells 2 mm by 2 mm) to the size of the hive;
- the bottom layer is made of mesh, the top layer is made of fabric;
- fold two pieces, sew the edges (using a sewing machine or by hand, sometimes the parts are fastened with a stapler);
- the dimensions are selected to suit the bee house - the remains should not come out to avoid exposure to weather conditions.
The mesh does not allow insects to pass through, but becomes the basis for applying propolis. The bees fasten the threads with an adhesive composition, after which the two-layer mat becomes durable and waterproof. The process of creating a canvas is clearly presented in the video.
Alternative
If the hive does not have dividers, it is recommended to use ceiling strips. These are small bars that cover the space at the top of the bee house. Peculiarities:
- the size is selected for the hive to be covered;
- the bars are installed in the sun loungers;
- the boards should be from 5 to 10 cm wide, up to 1.5 cm thick;
- The elements are folded tightly into specially placed folds; between some, a gap of 0.6 cm is left for insects.
Instead of one board, you can install an element made of plexiglass - this way there will still be the possibility of observation, but the beekeeper will not disturb the bees. Some beekeepers use ceiling planks instead of canvas, covering the planks with a pillow for the winter.
The scrims provide coverage for the top of the hive. The ceiling is necessary to protect against debris and the influence of weather conditions. They are made independently from one or two types of materials.
