Masterson's Garden Center, Inc.
10F Hive Body Deep ROUGH Assembled
Regular price
$30.00
Exclusive to Masterson's! We make these boxes in-house (well, in Mike's workshop) and they are the style that we all use in our personal apiaries.
What makes them different? The inside of the box is rough cut, rather than smooth finished lumber.
Why do we prefer this? Because the bees do! In a natural setting, a honeybee colony typically selects a tree cavity or similar, and as they expand and use the space the "walls" of the cavity are covered in propolis to smooth, seal, and protect them. Propolis is a powerful tool that the bees use to fill in cracks, but more important are the strong anti-microbial properties it has. There is significant evidence showing that colonies benefit from propolis.
Benefits of Abundant Propolis:
- Disease Prevention: Acts as an antimicrobial barrier against pathogens, which reduces the need for individual bee immune responses.
- Structural Integrity & Insulation: Seals drafty cracks and protects against wood decay and moisture, which is vital for overwintering.
- Defense Against Pests: Bees use it to encapsulate, or mummify, invaders like mice or beetles that are too large to remove, preventing decay and contamination.
- Environmental Control: Helps maintain a stable, hygienic microclimate inside the hive.