Here’s a list of parts commonly used in a Langstroth hive. You would never use them all at once, of course, but this list gives an idea of the possibilities. Many of these are “special purpose” items that you only use for a short time; others are used all year long. It’s fun to experiment with different configurations.
Telescoping cover: provides weather protection
Propolis trap: used to collect propolis. The bees fill the narrow spaces with it.
Inner cover: helps with ventilation in summer, insulation in winter
Hive top feeder: there are many varieties available
Spacer or shim: these can be used to make room for pollen patties or (with entrance closed) for mite treatments, they can be used to provide an upper entrance, or two together (with the entrance closed) can be used for a baggie feeder. The types with removable entrance plugs are most convenient.
Comb honey super: used for producing comb honey. May be designed for square or round sections, or for cut comb
Honey super: used for honey that will be extracted
Escape board: used for clearing bees out of a super
Queen excluder: used to keep queen from laying eggs in honey supers
Brood box: living quarters for the bees
Double screen: also called a “Snellgrove board” used for re-queening after making a split, or running a 2-queen hive
Cloake board: used for one method of queen rearing
Brood box: living quarters for the bees
Slatted rack: reduces congestion, improves air flow, insulates in winter, reduces swarming
Pollen trap: they come in various types and are used to collect part of the pollen the bees bring to the hive. They may be bottom-mounted or top-mounted depending on the style
Screened bottom board: used to prevent fallen mites from returning to the hive, improves ventilation in summer; may be used in place of regular bottom board
Bottom board: provides an entrance to the hive, may be reduced in size
Hive stand: keeps hive up off the ground and provides stability
Rusty
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