ProtectaBEE®
Easier Beekeeping with All-In-One Adjustable Hive Entrance
Explore the ProtectaBEE® hive entrance, the very first entrance to protect bees and simplify beekeeping.
Awarded the 2023 world silver medal for beekeeping innovation, this all-season beehive entrance is a must-have for any beekeeper.
Key Benefits of ProtectaBEE®
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Protects against hornets, yellow jackets, skunks, mice, and robbing bees.
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Features two sizes of entrance reducers that fit perfectly, don't get stuck and don't warp. No upsetting the bees when you add or remove these!
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Includes a feeding tray for convenient nourishment delivery.
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Employs bee vectoring for efficient medication and supplement distribution.
- Eliminates issues with wet or overheated landing boards, providing a perfect patio cover.
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Offers a large covered landing board for bee protection in windy conditions.
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Includes a drawer for monitoring hive beetles; add DE as needed.
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Use solid or vented inserts (sold separately) for secure bee transportation.
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Designed for use to protect during nearby pesticide usage or with an Oxalic Acid vaporizer to keep the hive closed.
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Turn the cones inward to keep guards inside during mowing or weedwhacking.
- Use the SwarmStopper insert (sold separately) to keep in newly caught swarms, cutouts, or for recent splits.
- In hot areas the Vented Cones inserts (sold separately) allow for protection while keeping the hive extra cool with best protection.
- Injection molded bee-friendly plastic (not 3D printed) to last for years against harsh elements without yellowing, warping, or becoming brittle.
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
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.
Will the ProtectaBEE® work with the Flow Hive?
Yes, but only if you remove the landing board that comes with the Flow® hive. Otherwise, there is not enough bee space.
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.
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)!
OPTIONAL INSERTS SOLD SEPARATELY
Buy individually (as a set of 2) or all 3 in The BEENDLE!
