Start date: 1 November 2023 Adding a few different timbers to the test this year, Radiata, Plywood and a mystery timber I was given which
I’ve been fine tuning the testing methods over the last couple of years and am currently getting a few boxes set up for temperature testing
The Goals: 1. Monitor humidity levels inside multiple stingless bee colonies over time. 2. See if outside weather changes affect colony humidity. 3. Gain an
We’ll follow the progress of this native bee box with two probes, showing the differences in temperatures between ambient, edge and brood. This is a
Disclaimer – It’s really hard to compare boxes because there’s so many variables – Probe position, yard position, sun vs shade, roof vs no roof,
This post follows the progress of three colonies Although we all want to, we can’t compare the boxes because there’s many variables. You wouldn’t get
The rumour: “If you paint your wooden hive box it will be like covering the box in a plastic bag and cause condensation” What is
I’ve added a couple of new products to the list. Doug Irvine uses the Intergrain Heavy Duty finish on his finger joint boxes so I
Roof Testing – Full Sun – August – October 2021 I’m having a look at a some roof designs and trying to gauge how effectively
The Sensors Models: “IBS- TH1 Plus” top of page and “IBS-TH2 Plus” at bottom of page. Sensors I’ve used here are called: INKBIRD Bluetooth Temp
Box Temperature Comparison – 15 November 2021 Box temperature comparison between an empty box and a live colony. These two boxes are beside each other
Wood Sample Test – Exposure to the elements I thought i’d throw a few samples of different wood together for some weather exposure tests. Alex
Stingless Bees can create their honey pots everywhere within the hive but it’s commonly thought they will store their honey further away from the entrance,
This article is about moisture content and wood only, not humidity conditions for bee colonies. Woodworkers will want their timber to be well dried before
Just out of interest I’m testing some of the finishes I have collected for various projects over the years, including some light duty oil mixtures,
What kind of timber should you use for making Native Bee boxes? Most people will just be using what ever they have or are familiar
Hopefully this article will get you started in the right direction. This page lightly touches on everything from Bee species through workshops, publications and clubs.
Updated: October 2021 We have 11 described species of Stingless Bees in Australia and more that have been discovered but not yet named. This article
I’ve made or bought an empty box, where can I get bees from? Native Stingless Bees will always come in a box or log of
nativebeehives.com is a project website with a focus on individual design and construction of Native Bee Hives, lots of photos, information about Australian native bees and also a news story thrown in around the place!