DIY Bee Chimney: Guiding FlowHive Bees Over the Fence with The Bush Bee Man
Introduction:
Are you a backyard beekeeper with a FlowHive, looking for a creative solution to keep your bees from bothering your neighbors? Look no further! In this blog post, we'll recap an inventive project by Mark, The Bush Bee Man, as he builds a unique bee chimney to guide his wife's FlowHive bees up and over the fence. This fun and educational project showcases Mark's creativity and improvisational skills, and is sure to inspire fellow beekeepers out there. Let's dive in!
Step 1:
Assess the Situation Before beginning, Mark took stock of the situation. He wanted to ensure that his wife's FlowHive bees would not be a nuisance to the neighbors by flying at a low height near the fence. Mark decided that a bee chimney would be the perfect solution to guide the bees higher and avoid any issues.
Step 2:
Gather Materials and Tools Mark gathered materials such as wooden boards, screws, a drill, a saw, and some wire mesh. It's essential to have all the necessary tools and materials at hand before starting the project.
Step 3:
Build the Chimney Frame Mark started by constructing the frame of the chimney. He cut the wooden boards to the desired length, making sure they were tall enough to raise the bees' flight path above the fence. After cutting the boards, he screwed them together, creating a rectangular frame.
Step 4:
Attach Wire Mesh Once the frame was complete, Mark wrapped wire mesh around it. The wire mesh provides a secure and breathable enclosure for the bees to fly through. He used a staple gun to attach the mesh to the wooden frame.
Step 5:
Secure the Chimney to the FlowHive Mark then placed the chimney on top of the FlowHive's entrance, making sure it fit securely. To prevent the chimney from toppling over, he used additional screws to attach it to the hive. This step is crucial for the safety of the bees and the stability of the chimney.
Step 6:
Observe the Bees in Action With the chimney installed, Mark observed the bees to see how they adjusted to their new flight path. He noticed the bees flying up and over the fence, avoiding any disturbances to the neighbors.
Conclusion:
Building a DIY bee chimney is a fantastic way to help guide your FlowHive bees up and over the fence, ensuring a harmonious beekeeping experience for both the bees and your neighbors. Mark, The Bush Bee Man, demonstrates that with a bit of creativity and a "make it up as you go" attitude, you can tackle any beekeeping challenge. Don't forget to watch the full video for a visual guide to building your very own bee chimney: https://youtu.be/MqH-6Z4FgHE