A beehive diaphragm is also called a partition, dividing or plug-in hive board. She plays a role in the organization of the hive. The diaphragm can be purchased or made in-house. There are several options for such a design; it is not difficult to install it.
What is a diaphragm in a hive and what is its role?
The diaphragm is a plywood board. Its height and length correspond to the internal dimensions of the hive (body). In addition to the main part, the diaphragm also includes an upper bar. It matches the size of the frame for a particular hive. There are end bars on the sides, also called awards. This design is the simplest, but the diaphragm can be arranged differently.
Use a plug-in hive board to enclose the bee nest in the headspace inside the hive. The diaphragm also allows the hive to be divided into compartments. It must be used in cases where the entire volume of the hive is not occupied by the bee colony.
Once the honey has been pumped out, the diaphragm can be used to separate the honeycomb from the bees. This ensures the drying of the raw material. You can also isolate unsealed low copper frames. In the future, they can be used to replenish winter feed stocks.
Folds are used to hang the diaphragm - the principle is the same as in the case of standard hive frames. The insert hive board is 15 mm thick. There should be a passage for the bees under the board.
It is recommended to use 1-2 such boards in each hive. They are necessary when you need to plant a young colony in the hive. Such an adaptation is also required for wintering when there are few frames in the hive. The diaphragm in this case allows you to separate the side spaces of the hive and insulate them.
Making a diaphragm for a hive with your own hands
To make a plug-in hive board on your own, you need to choose the right materials. You will need plywood or suitable 10 mm wood and bars. The frame should have a standard size - 43.5x30 cm.The length of the upper bar is 47 cm, the width is 2.5 cm, the thickness is 2 cm.The width of the bottom and side strips is the same, the thickness is 1 cm. It is better to use a construction stapler for fastening, since nails or self-tapping screws may crack thin material.
The wood used to make the diaphragm should be light and dry. A soft breed should be used.
The end bars are equal in height to the main board. The upper bar protrudes slightly beyond its borders - this ensures the fixation of the diaphragm in the hive.
If you want to make a diaphragm as insulation, then after completing the main work, the following manipulations are also required:
- pick up a dense insulation - the piece should be exactly the same size as the inside of the frame;
- cut out a piece of plywood corresponding to the dimensions of the outer dimensions of the diaphragm - it is necessary to protect the insulation material from bees;
- fix the plywood with a construction stapler - it should sit tightly and not slide out;
- put a strip of insulation along the border of the frame to eliminate gaps on the diaphragm; also use a stapler for fastening.
As insulation for the partition, you can use foam rubber or foam. The diaphragm for the hive must be of good quality. Every detail must be processed. The bars should be smooth (cut out), all chips and roughness must be removed.
The resulting structure should be installed in the hive easily, but at the same time fit tightly in it. If the diaphragm is to be used during wintering, the presence of gaps or gaps will lead to the penetration of cold.
Installation
The diaphragm is installed vertically in the hive. There are no special features in this action. If a lower housing is provided in the hive, then the diaphragm, due to the insulation, will be close to the lower frame - it is such a tight fixation that is the main task of insulation. If the lower case is missing, then a small space will remain at the bottom. This passage is necessary for the worker bees.
If the diaphragm is made without insulation, then side cushions can be used for wintering. The size of such insulation should be such that it completely covers the entire space. You can use regular reeds. For insulation, dried stems are used, and the upper pillows are stuffed with panicles.
The diaphragm is a multifunctional beehive partition. With its help, you can solve various problems, including the separation of some of the bees, insulation for the winter. Such a partition is easy to make with your own hands - the materials for its manufacture are simple and affordable.