The Effect of Thermal Insulation on Honey Bee hives Activity

Abstract

A study was aimed to determine the effect of thermal insulation on bee colony activity from April 26th to May 30th, during which temperatures ranged from 32°C to 45°C. Three treatments were used: the first used fiberglass insulation and a wooden box containing a Lancaster hive; the second used a white-painted wooden hive containing a Lancaster hive; and the third served as a control, consisting solely of a Lancaster hive. The results showed that the first treatment was superior in both the thermal insulation properties of the air surrounding the hive and the temperature inside the hive. It also increased the area of ​​brood, honey, and pollen by 32.50, 1214, 426, and 220 square meters, respectively. The final weight of the hives was 22.7, 21.70, and 16 kg, respectively. The average number of frames per hive was 6.882, 6.716, and 6.049, respectively.