{"id":35,"date":"2012-12-06T14:48:03","date_gmt":"2012-12-06T20:48:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/?page_id=35"},"modified":"2025-05-05T15:43:51","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T20:43:51","slug":"cedar-beehives","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/index.php\/cedar-beehives","title":{"rendered":"Cedar Beehives"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Produce DIY Custom 8 Frame Cedar beehives just like Sweet Mountain Farm or Order one from us Today!<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2735\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2735\" style=\"width: 270px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2735\" src=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/HiveEquipment-168x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/HiveEquipment-168x300.jpg 168w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/HiveEquipment-337x600.jpg 337w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/HiveEquipment-600x1068.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/HiveEquipment.jpg 1456w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 270px) 100vw, 270px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2735\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Complete Hive &#8211; Linseed Oil Finish<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Northern White Cedar Beehives with slide out Varroa Screen<\/p>\n<p>Sweet Mountain Farm harvests eastern white cedar from our abundant natural and renewable resources here in Door County and the upper peninsula.<\/p>\n<p>This page answers the question: why use cedar? and why build an 8 frame versus a 10 frame beehive?\u00a0<span style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\">The following pages are devoted to each component, its use and the dimensions for each part so that you too can build your own beehives or find out more about ordering from us.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Why Cedar Beehives?<\/h4>\n<p>All of the qualities inherent in cedar make it an ideal match for bees and hive. I challenge you to compare materials, construction, features, and above all, optimal environments for bees. After 16 years raising honeybees in the north, I designed and created this hive for my own Russian honeybees. It is standard size Langstroth dimensions, is designed for utility as well as beauty. It is the best custom hive available.<\/p>\n<h4>What makes SMF Hives Different<\/h4>\n<h4>THE WOOD<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Resistance to insects, mold and mildew<\/strong><br \/>\nThe resin produced by northern white cedar (NWC), \u00a0is a natural defense against insects, mold and bacteria.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Resistance to weather<\/strong><br \/>\nNWC does not absorb water. Growing in damp, cold climates, the molecules bind closer together which produces a naturally water and rot resistant wood.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dimensional stability<\/strong><br \/>\nThe growth rate of NWC is slower than many other woods, creating lumber that does not bow or warp as much as other lumber.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Safe for bees and humans<\/strong><br \/>\nSince there is no chemical treatment to the wood during hive construction, we do not expose bees or honey to potentially harmful conditions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Maintenance \u00a0<\/strong><br \/>\nLeft untreated, NWC with acquire a silver-gray patina within 5 years. If a stain is preferred, the wood will accept stain evenly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sustainability<\/strong><br \/>\nLumber is milled from sustainable forests on a 35-70 year cycle.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lightweight and a great insulator<\/strong><br \/>\nCedar molecules are tightly packed creating strong bonds within the wood and large pockets of air making cedar lightweight and easier to lift when full of honey! The air between the fibers gives greater insulation against extreme temperatures making it easier for bees to regulate interior temperature.<\/p>\n<h4>THE DESIGN<\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4471 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP0674-300x225.jpg\" alt=\" \" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP0674-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP0674.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Precise fit<\/strong><br \/>\nThe eight frame, standard 6 5\/8\u201d medium, northern white cedar beehive is designed especially for Russian honeybees! The overwinter cluster is the size of a softball. Smaller cluster, smaller space, less heat transfer, and greater efficiency.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Greater efficiency<\/strong><br \/>\nMinimize empty frames often found on the outer frames of 10 frame hives. Less energy is used and fewer resources consumed to heat or cool empty space.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4469 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP1185-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"RICOH IMAGING\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP1185-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP1185.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Boxes<\/strong><br \/>\nEasier on the back, each box weighs under 40lbs when full of honey. Interior is rough. Honeybees smooth out rough surfaces with propolis, creating a naturally hygienic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal living space. Seven symmetrical pins and tails for furniture quality beauty. Joints are tight and include a stainless steel screw at each corner.<\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4475 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP0874-300x225.jpg\" alt=\" \" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP0874-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP0874.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Bottom Board\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>\nOne-piece stainless screened bottom board makes ventilating the hive and monitoring mites easy; eliminates disassembling the hive to access the bottom board. Pull tray out from the back of the hive for bee free monitoring.\u00a0 Tray is 100% recycled polypropylene. It does not warp, pulls out smoothly, and debris cleanup is easy.<\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4472 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP0776-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"All Season All Purpose Inner Cover\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP0776-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP0776.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Inner Cover<\/strong><br \/>\nAll in one, versatile multipurpose inner cover can be used as; a spacer, vent, upstairs entrance, summer and winter feeder, moisture control or division board eliminating additional equipment.<\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4470 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP0673-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Aluminum or Copper Cover\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP0673-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMGP0673.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Roofing<\/strong><br \/>\nChoose from an aluminum roof with heavy-duty rubber washer roofing nails or add 99.9% pure copper.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Finish<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Option 1<\/strong>: Eco-wood treatment is a naturally effective wood preservative, no-maintenance, 100% organic, non-toxic compound that will not wear off, fade or peel. It will age the cedar to a silver grey patina.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Option 2<\/strong>: Linseed oil is a flax seed derivative used for enhancing wood grain. Apply annually to maintain the finish.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Option 3<\/strong>: Natural \u2013 Cedar does not need a sealant. Order a natural finish or you can creatively decorate the hive.<\/p>\n<h4>Other Cedar Considerations:<\/h4>\n<p>There are some common sense objections from the old time beekeeper about the honeybees not taking kindly to the cedar smell. The thinking goes something like this, &#8220;if an insect is repelled by the smell of cedar then the honeybee will be repelled.&#8221; The second objection is that honey being hygroscopic will absorb the cedar odor. These objections are simply, not true.<\/p>\n<p>At SMF we keep the cedar on the inside of the hive rough. It is our experience that Russian honey bees heavily propolize the interior of the hive, smoothing out the rough interior. The propolis seals off any out gassed cedar odor and creates a resistant anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial hive.<\/p>\n<h4>BUILD YOUR OWN HIVE<\/h4>\n<article id=\"post-3838\" class=\"post-3838 project type-project status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n<div class=\"body-wrap\">\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<h3>Telescoping Cover<\/h3>\n<h3><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-743 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Hive-TelescopingOuterCover-300x300.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Hive-TelescopingOuterCover-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Hive-TelescopingOuterCover-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Hive-TelescopingOuterCover-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Hive-TelescopingOuterCover.jpg 500w\" alt=\"8 Frame Telescoping Cover\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" \/><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The 8 frame telescoping cover is sometimes called an outer cover and is designed to protect the hive from weather damage, it is waterproof, and covered in sheet metal.<\/p>\n<p>Assembled dimension is 16\u2033 x 22\u201d. Below is a material list for the 8 Frame telescoping cover.<\/p>\n<p><strong>MATERIALS LIST:<\/strong><\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"241\">Premium Grade, very occasional soft knots (repaired), no wane<br \/>\nSurfaced 1 side 2 Edges<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"72\">2<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"144\">.875 x 1.75 x 22\u201d rabbet ends .625\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"72\">2<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"144\">.875 x 1.75 x 14.75\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"241\">.75\u2033 flat cedar stock<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"72\">1<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"144\">16 x 22\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"241\">Aluminum Trim Stock pre-cut<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"72\">1<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"144\">18\u2033 x 24\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>* 4 x 8 x 3\/4\u201d cedar sheet will yield 12 covers<\/p>\n<h3>Inner Cover<\/h3>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-771\" title=\"Inner Cover\" src=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Hive-InnerCover.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Hive-InnerCover-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Hive-InnerCover-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/Hive-InnerCover.jpg 225w\" alt=\" Inner Cover\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" \/><\/h3>\n<p>It helps to keep the bees from gluing the outer cover to the hive body as well as from gluing the outer cover to the top of the frames. Some beekeepers will substitute a heavy canvas cloth. The inner cover is more gentle to the bees by creating a 1\/4\u2033 bee space between the frames and the inner cover.<\/p>\n<p>An inner cover has many purposes. It will help to insulate the hive creating a 1\/4\u2033 dead air space between the outer cover and the hive. SMF no longer uses this inner cover since we have redesigned it to include so much more. But, here are the dimensions for a DIY inner cover.<\/p>\n<p>The oval hole in the inner cover can be used for feeding or it can be used in combination with a bee escape when bees need to be evacuated from a super. Never worry about the inner cover placement on the hive since our inner covers are identical on both surfaces.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Materials List<\/strong><\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" width=\"217\">Premium Grade, very occasional soft knots (repaired), no waneSurfaced 1 side 2 Edges<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"57\">2<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"137\">.875 x.8125* x 14\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"57\">2<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"137\">.875 x.8125* x 20\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"217\">1\/4\u2033 cedar flat stock<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"57\">1<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"137\">14\u2033 x 20\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>*Sweet Mountain Farm uses the scrap from the hive body to produce the frame for the inner cover. This dimension can be varied based upon available stock.<\/p>\n<h3>Hive Body<\/h3>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/downloads\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Super-6-pin-box-joint.jpg');\"  href=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Super-6-pin-box-joint.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2609 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Super-6-pin-box-joint-300x168.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Super-6-pin-box-joint-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Super-6-pin-box-joint-600x337.jpg 600w\" alt=\"8 Frame Super\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>A colony uses the first hive body to raise brood. This is the component used by the queen to lay eggs and where the young larvae are raised. Each additional body is called a honey super and is used to store pollen and nectar.<\/p>\n<p>Hive bodies take a lot of abuse in the field. The beekeeper uses a hive tool to pry hive bodies apart that are glued together by propolis. Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honey bees from tree buds. It is used to fill crevices. There are many sizes available in the industry although sticking to one size is recommended. The uniformity of one size makes the bee operation completely interchangeable and it is by far the most flexible configuration. An 8 frame medium hive body, when full of wax and honey, can weigh up to 40 lbs.<\/p>\n<p>The hive should be tough for the field, not prone to warp, rot resistant, insect resistant, and as lightweight as possible. It should reduce thermal transfer yet dissipate excessive moisture inside the hive as well as be waterproof.<\/p>\n<h3>Hive Body Plan<\/h3>\n<table border=\"1\" width=\"656\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" width=\"686\">\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Materials List<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" width=\"217\">Premium Grade, very occasional soft knots (repaired), no wane<br \/>\nSurfaced 1 side 2 Edges<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"57\">2<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"137\"><\/td>\n<td width=\"275\">.875 x 6.625 x 20\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"57\">2<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"137\"><\/td>\n<td width=\"275\">.875 x 6.625\u2033 x 14\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"217\">Stainless Steel Trim Screws<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"57\">8<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"137\"><\/td>\n<td width=\"275\">#7 x 2 1\/4\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"217\">Titebond III Wood Glue<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"57\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"137\"><\/td>\n<td width=\"275\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Screened Bottom Board<\/h3>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/downloads\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Screen-Bottom-Board-3.jpg');\"  href=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Screen-Bottom-Board-3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2607 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Screen-Bottom-Board-3-300x168.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Screen-Bottom-Board-3-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Screen-Bottom-Board-3-600x337.jpg 600w\" alt=\"Screened Bottom Board with Slide out Varroa Tray\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Rear view with Slide out Varroa Tray<\/p>\n<p><strong>MATERIALS LIST for 8 Frame Screened Bottom Board Plan:<\/strong><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"525\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<colgroup>\n<col width=\"167\" \/>\n<col width=\"191\" \/>\n<col width=\"38\" \/>\n<col width=\"129\" \/> <\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"167\" height=\"21\"><strong>Description<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"191\"><strong>Part<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"38\"><strong>Qty<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"129\"><strong>Dimension<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"6\" width=\"167\" height=\"126\">Premium Grade, very occasional soft knots (repaired), no wane working with 1\u2033 stock 7\/8\u2033 \u2013 .875<\/td>\n<td>A. Front Panel<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>3 1\/2\u2033 x 13 1\/4\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td height=\"21\">B. Back Panel<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>1 3\/4\u2033 x 13 1\/4\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td height=\"21\">C. &amp; D. Frame Sides<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>1 3\/4\u2033 x 15 3\/4\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td height=\"21\">E. &amp; F. Exterior Grooved Sides<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>3 1\/2\u2033 x 21\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td height=\"21\">G. Back Panel<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>1 1\/2\u2033 x 12 1\/4\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td height=\"21\">H. Front Exterior Panel<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>2 1\/2\u2033 x 14\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td height=\"21\"><\/td>\n<td>I. Brace<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>3 1\/2\u2033 x 12 1\/2\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td height=\"21\">Flat stock<\/td>\n<td>J. Tray<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>1\/4\u2033 x 13 1\/2\u2033 x 20\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td height=\"21\">23 ga \u2013 1\/8\u2033 \u2013 #8<\/td>\n<td>K. Hardware Cloth<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>12\u2033 x 18\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td height=\"21\"><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"525\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td height=\"21\">Finishing nails<\/td>\n<td>16 ga<\/td>\n<td>2\u2033<\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td height=\"21\">Staples<\/td>\n<td>18 ga<\/td>\n<td>1\u2033<\/td>\n<td>hand staple to prevent damage to screen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td height=\"21\">Titebond III wood glue<\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Basic Bottom Board Instructions:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Build a frame with parts A-D<\/li>\n<li>Saw grooves into exterior sides , parts E &amp; F, 7\/8\u2033 &amp; 1\/4\u2033<\/li>\n<li>slide the frame into the grooved exterior sides, parts E &amp; F<\/li>\n<li>staple the back board to the frame, part G<\/li>\n<li>attach front board, part H<\/li>\n<li>hand staple the 1\/8\u2033 hardware screen, part K<\/li>\n<li>install the brace, part I<\/li>\n<li>cut and install the tray, part J<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Winter Bee Feeder<\/h3>\n<p>At Sweet Mountain Farm a winter bee feeder is used on first year splits or when honey reserves are low. A strong and healthy colony should not need to be supplemented by winter feeding. Colonies in the north need at least 60 lbs. of honey going into winter. That is equal to 12 \u2013 medium full frames of capped honey or approximately 10 deep frames.<\/p>\n<p>It seems counter-intuitive that prolonged warmer temperature rather than colder temperature indicates a hive may need additional resources. When temperatures reach 40 degrees a colony will break cluster and begin to consume more food. A winter season with unusually warm temperatures will be more stressful for the bees than consistently colder temperatures. The bees will break cluster, take cleansing flights and require more food to expend energy during warmer winters.<\/p>\n<p>Resources become depleted in the spring and therefore colonies most often starve out before nectar and pollen are available. If the population of a hive is high going into winter and and the temperatures are above average, this is the time to place a winter bee feeder on the hive.<\/p>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-793 alignleft\" title=\"Winter Feeder\" src=\"https:\/\/sweetmountainfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/HiveWinterFeeder.jpg\" alt=\" Winter Feeder\" width=\"187\" height=\"135\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3>Build your own 8 frame feeder<\/h3>\n<p>1x4x8 lumber is used to make a frame that is 14\u2033 x 20\u2033. Use \u00bc\u201d hardware cloth. Drill \u00be\u201d ventilation hole into the face of the frame. Position the hole just under the telescoping cover so that the outer cover will close the hole if needed. Shape the hardware cloth into the frame and staple it to the frame. The frame will hold up to 15 pounds of fondant although 5 pounds is sufficient.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fondant Recipe<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The basic fondant recipe is 1 pint water to 5 lbs. sugar. Boil water and sugar to soft ball stage which is 245 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the mesh hardware with newspaper or wax paper and pour the hot syrup onto the paper. Once set, it is placed on the hive as a top feeder. Dry bee pollen can be scattered on the top of the fondant. Place the hive at the Winter Solstice when daylight time begins to increase.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Watch the syrup carefully. At approximately 210 degrees the liquid starts to boil and the temperature climbs fast. Do not feed your bees fondant that has been over cooked. The liquid will turn slightly brown and the bees cannot digest the over processed fondant. Discard it and start over.<\/p>\n<p>If you do not have a candy thermometer you can use the ice water method. Drop a teaspoon of boiling liquid into the ice water. If a small ball can be formed with the liquid the mixture is ready to pour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Produce DIY Custom 8 Frame Cedar beehives just like Sweet Mountain Farm or Order one from us Today! Northern White Cedar Beehives with slide out Varroa Screen Sweet Mountain Farm harvests eastern white cedar from our abundant natural and renewable resources here in Door County and the upper peninsula. This page answers the question: why <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2608,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-35","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.8.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Cedar beehives Washington Island WI Sweet Mountain Farm<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"DIY cedar beehives; organic, fewer pests, warmer, lightweight, not prone to rot. 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