The bees’ home

In contrast to the straw baskets, called “skeps”, that beekeepers used to utilize as hives, modern hives have honey compartments that are artificially separated from the nest by mesh so that it is easier to remove the honey. Today, so-called magazine hives are used which consist of loose parts (boxes) and can be stacked on top of one another as needed, like building blocks.

Small frames with partitions in the middle are inserted into the hives so that the bees can build their honeycombs in them. The beekeeper provides partitions made of wax in order to make work easier, save the bees’ energy and influence the size of the cells in the honeycomb (to reduce the number of drones produced).

A beekeeper’s tools also include the smoker to “pacify” the bees, protective clothing (hat, veil and gloves) as well as a hive tool and frame lifter.