Entrance Block

Obviously, the main purpose of the hive entrance is to provide bees with an easy way to get in and out of their hive. However, the utility of these entrances goes far beyond that.

• The entrance allows the colony to actively thermo-regulate conditions inside the hive. By creating a significant flow of air, into and out of the hive by flapping their wings, bees can manipulate ventilation from an entrance in summer
• A mechanism to reduce moisture. The flow of air can help reduce the build-up of moisture within the hive, which can be a serious threat to the colony in the passive environment of the hive during winter.
• As a staging point for the transfer of resources from forager bees to house bees. From nectar to propolis and water – these are all essential resources for the colony.
• A well-defined area for guard bees to effectively defend. The colony needs the ability to repel threats such as robber bees (other colonies from your own bee yard or neighboring hives that can invade and attempt to steal your bee’s honey). This also helps reduce the likelihood of risk from mice and other critters.