HiveIQ hives

Optimized for the professional beekeeper.  Ergonomic and lightweight, these beehives are constructed with high density expanded polystyrene (EPS) for high fusion strength, high quality, and precision finish, these beehives are designed for usability and long life.

Embracing condensing hives is a game-changer for beekeepers:
In the world of beekeeping, there has always been a threat that beekeepers noticed – excessive condensation. Especially in cold climates, condensation forming in the wrong places can have dire consequences for bee colonies. Based on the scientific principles of natural thermodynamics, the condensing hive design is here to revolutionize beekeeping, providing a host of benefits that not only protect our bees but also make our beekeeping endeavors more efficient and sustainable.

Key features of a condensing hive:

• A continuous high R-value insulation covering the sides, bottom and top
• Superior heat retention by elimination of top ventilation, gaps or holes between the hive bodies
• They allow for a natural convection cycle where ventilation and the elimination of excess moisture occurs at the bottom entrance or floor.
• The bees have access to needed water droplets from harmless condensation that forms away from the top of the cluster and in areas below the cluster.
• The bees control the hive environment naturally without the need for beekeeper intervention.

The Condensing Hive Advantage

Protecting our precious pollinators:
Condensation occurring above the colony poses a significant danger to bees, particularly in cold climates. With the condensing hive design, warm, humid air rises from the cluster and contacts the hive ceiling. However, because the temperature of the hive ceiling is above the dew point, instead of condensing and dripping back onto the bees, the humid air spreads out and condenses on cooler surfaces away from the cluster and around the outside walls. This feature ensures that condensation occurs below the colony or outside the hive, preserving the health and vitality of our bee colonies.

Winter survival boost:
One significant advantage is a condensing hive’s ability to reduce or even prevent the risk of starvation. Bees require fewer food stores to generate the heat energy necessary to keep warm. This means that even in the coldest climates, an adequately provisioned colony can thrive while using fewer food resources.

Immune system support:
Research indicates that a naturally balanced hive environment aids bees in combating pathogens. Natural condensing colonies allow bees the opportunity to maintain an ideal hive environment that supports a bee’s immune system.

Preserving hive infrastructure:
Excessive moisture in the hive results in mold growth on the hive walls, frames and comb as shown below, which creates a high overhead for the colony to clean and repair damaged comb before they can use it. In contrast, the majority of warm, humid air condenses low down or outside the hive.