ProtectaBEE®

Easier Beekeeping with All-In-One Adjustable Hive Entrance

Discover the ProtectaBEE^® hive entrance, your Swiss Army knife in beekeeping. As the 2023 world silver medalist in beekeeping innovation, this all-season tool is essential for every beekeeper. It effectively shields your bees from yellowjackets, withstands harsh weather, and allows for easy feeding and probiotics administration without disturbing the hive.

Whether you're looking to prevent swarming quickly or need to relocate your hive, the ProtectaBEE^® system provides the solutions you need. With bee populations at risk, incorporating this tool into your beekeeping practice can significantly reduce colony loss and enhance bee health.

With over 13 different uses, the ProtectaBEE system makes beekeeping simpler and more effective, earning gratitude from your bees!

• Protects against hornets, yellow jackets, skunks, mice, and robbing bees.

• Features two sizes of entrance reducers that fit perfectly and are easy to attach and remove.

• Includes a feeding tray for convenient nourishment delivery.

• Employs bee vectoring for efficient medication and supplement distribution.

• Equipped with a SwarmStopper insert to effortlessly prevent swarming.

• Eliminates issues with wet or overheated landing boards, providing a perfect patio cover.

• Offers a large covered landing board for bee protection in windy conditions.

• Includes options for monitoring hive beetles; add DE as needed.

• Use solid or vented inserts for secure bee transportation.

• Designed for use during nearby pesticide sprays or with an Oxalic Acid vaporizer to keep the hive closed.

• Turn the cones inward to protect bees during mowing or weedwhacking.

• The extra-large landing board aids in cooling the hive while guarding against overhead predators.

Winterizing The Hive With Wraps

• Keeps bees warm and dry.

• Avoids the hassle of stuck entrance reducers in spring.

• Allows for easy removal of drawers to clean the bottom board of winter-dead bees.

• Enables the addition of pollen substitutes in spring to increase hive numbers on the solid drawer side.

• Protects against swiping critter hands.

• For cooler climates, a small entrance reducer and solid side are recommended; cones are necessary in warmer temperatures to prevent robbing by bees and intrusion by yellow jackets, hornets, and wasps.

Easy to Attach, UV-Light & Weather-Resistant

The ProtectaBEE^® can be added any time; gently nudge the bees out of the way, or install at night. The keyhole screw openings allow you to easily remove the ProtectaBEE^® by simply loosening the screws. 

Technical Specs

Dimensions

FITS STANDARD 10-FRAME LANGSTROTH AND 7-FRAME FLOW HIVES

Fits most standard Langstroth 10-frame hives. If your bottom board is too small, simply add a small notch on either side to slide in the edges of the ProtectaBEE^®. 

VIDEOS

INTERVIEW WITH FREDERICK DUNN

FAQs

Who created the ProtectaBEE^®?

The ProtectaBEE® system was developed by a team of dedicated Canadian scientists and experienced beekeepers, led by Dr. Erica Shelley, who share a passion for bee health and sustainable beekeeping practices. Drawing on their expertise and years of research, they created ProtectaBEE® with the goal of providing beekeepers with an innovative solution to enhance hive health and productivity. With a deep understanding of bee behavior and environmental factors impacting bee colonies, the creators of ProtectaBEE® are committed to supporting beekeepers in their efforts to protect and nurture bee populations for generations to come.

Can the bees cool the hive when it's hot?

We tested over two years and found less bearding on our hives with ProtectaBEE^® than hives without the ProtectaBEE^®.  Honey production and curing rates were improved compared to those hives without the ProtectaBEE®. Inside is an extra-large landing board, and there is still air moving in and out.

Additionally, you can always remove the inserts, and we recommend doing that when you do not have any issues with robbers to maximize bee traffic!

We have also just added a new optional vented cone insert - which we have nicknamed the Texas cones - as Texas beekeepers asked for these repeatedly!

Is plastic safe for bees?

Yes! Beehives for years have had plastic frames, plastic queen excluders, plastic feeders, and there are even full plastic hives! The bees don't mind!

Why plastic?

Most hives are fully exposed to all the weather elements. Over time wood warps and would not provide the security needed to keep out predators. We have sourced a bee-friendly plastic that will last several years outside without becoming brittle. Our inserts are also reinforced to prevent warping.

Can the queen bee leave the colony with the ProtectaBEE^® cones installed?
The cones are big enough to let drones (boy bees) enter and exit the hive, so the queen can also enter and exit. This is important, especially if a virgin queen needs to mate. The ProtectaBEE^® will not prevent swarming.

Will the ProtectaBEE^® work with a Flow^® hive?

Yes, but only if you remove the landing board that comes with the Flow^® hive. Otherwise, there is not enough bee space.

Is there even more that I can do with the ProtectaBEE^®?

Since the ProtectaBEE® is a plug & play system, we can create all sorts of inserts and additions. We have tested putting pollen patties and fondant into the ProtectaBEE^® behind a solid insert and found that works well to increase hive numbers in the Spring. We also have an insert to block swarms temporarily. We also are developing a feeder that can be used with the ProtectaBEE^®. And, of course, we will be testing to see if we can keep out small hive beetles (but they can be monitored with the monitoring drawer)!

This is too expensive for all my hives, why should I even buy it?

 We understand your concern about the initial investment. However, the ProtectaBEE^® system offers long-term benefits that can save you time and money in the future. Think of it as insurance for your bees, ensuring their safety and well-being year after year. By investing in ProtectaBEE^®, you're not only protecting your hives but also potentially reducing the need for frequent replacements and mitigating losses due to hive disruptions or diseases.

If you're hesitant about purchasing for all your hives, we recommend starting with just a few units to test its effectiveness. We're confident that once you experience the benefits firsthand, you'll see the value it brings to your beekeeping operation. We're here to support you in making the best decision for your bees and your business.

OPTIONAL INSERTS SOLD SEPARATELY

Buy individually (as a set of 2) or all 3 in the BEENDLE!