Types of pillows for hives, what to use and how to make them with your own hands

Insulating hives is of great importance when preparing for winter. This will help you survive the frosts and start spring work. The quality of materials used and methods of protection from the cold affect the honey harvest next year. It is especially important to protect bees from the wind, but at the same time ensure high-quality ventilation. The use of special pillows for hives helps to achieve the required results.

Role in the hive

The use of hive cushions helps protect bee houses from seasonal heat loss. This has a beneficial effect on the activity of families and helps beekeepers save food supplies.

Special cushions are used to cover the roof and side walls. They are made from burlap or other natural material. Materials are placed inside that help retain heat. These include cotton wool, moss, and tow.

Types and features of insulation materials

Today there are many modern insulation materials. However, beekeepers usually prefer classic natural materials. The following is often used to insulate hives:

• hay;
• dry leaves;
• needles;
• dry moss;
• sawdust;
• cotton wool;
• straw;
• husk;
• tow;
• felt.

No less popular options are foam rubber and polystyrene foam. To make the right choice, you need to take into account the pros and cons of each material. It is recommended to consider the following:

1. Affordability – It is best to use means that do not involve significant costs. So, it is permissible to use moss, tow, straw or reeds. It is important that these materials do not harm the environment.
2. Thermal conductivity - all insulating materials differ in properties. At the same time, they can maintain the temperature in the hive at different times. This feature needs to be studied very carefully.
3. Moisture absorption - the higher the hygroscopicity of the insulation, the worse it copes with its tasks. Hemp tow has the greatest water permeability.
4. Structure and physical properties - materials with a high degree of elasticity that do not cake for a long time are considered the most suitable. Campfire, tow and dried moss have these characteristics. They are able to maintain the required microclimate and maintain suitable conditions throughout the cold period.
5. Attractiveness to rodents – chaff, grain husks and straw are considered the most appetizing food for rats and mice. Therefore, experts advise giving preference to cotton wool, felt or fire. You can also add a little pine needles to any material. Its smell will scare away animals.

What is needed for making

Reed will be an effective filler for pillows. It evaporates water well, maintaining the required level of humidity in the structure. For application, it is permissible to use panicles and dry stems of the plant.

In spring and autumn, it is recommended to pay special attention to the quality of the top insulation. To do this, it is worth using sufficiently dense materials so that the temperature in the nest remains comfortable for the bees. This task can be accomplished with fabric or oilcloth. A layer of cotton wool or felt is placed on top of it.

It is permissible to stuff pillows with materials from old mattresses or clothes. Dry moss is an excellent solution. It is accessible and does not require significant financial costs. At the same time, this material helps maintain the required level of humidity in the hive.

DIY making

Making a beehive cushion is not that difficult. First you need to make a so-called pillowcase. After which it should be quilted with small squares. This will help distribute the insulation evenly. This measure will prevent rapid caking of the filler or the formation of lumps in its structure.

When insulating hives with pillows, it is recommended to take the following into account:

1. The upper cushion must match the dimensions of the internal dimensions of the liner.
2. The area of ​​the mats on the sides should allow for the possibility of adhering to the front and rear parts of the structure.It is important to close the space from the ceiling to the floor of the hive.
3. To avoid the formation and accumulation of condensation, a sheet of foam plastic must be placed under the roof. Its thickness should not exceed 5 centimeters.
4. The upper elements need to be insulated by combining 2 types of materials - a thin cotton pad and pieces of foam rubber.
5. Some bee houses are insulated with porous mattresses. They help collect and hold condensation that is released. At the same time, instead of wet mattresses, new dry ones are placed in the hives.

Using special beehive pads helps protect insects from the cold. At the same time, making such insulation with your own hands will not be difficult. To do this, it is important to choose the right filler and follow the basic recommendations of experts.