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High-Quality Beehive Parts for New and Experienced Beekeepers

Here at Mann Lake, we strive to carry everything a seasoned or new beekeeper would need to have a successful beekeeping season. Our assortment of hive parts and components includes everything your colonies need to survive and thrive all year long.

Here’s what you’ll find in Mann Lake’s hive parts collection:

  • Hive Bodies (Brood Boxes): Deep boxes where the queen lays eggs and the colony raises brood.
  • Supers (Honey Supers): Medium or shallow boxes placed above the brood boxes for honey storage.
  • Frames: Rectangular structures that hold the foundation. Bees build their comb here for brood rearing and honey storage.
  • Foundation: Sheets of wax or plastic placed within frames to guide bees in building straight comb.
  • Bottom Boards: The base of the hive that provides the entrance and supports the hive structure.
  • Inner Covers: Placed between the top box and the outer cover. These aid in ventilation and prevent bees from attaching comb to the outer cover.
  • Outer Covers: Protect the hive from weather elements like rain and sun.
  • Entrance Reducers: Adjustable parts that control the size of the hive entrance. These help with temperature regulation and pest prevention.
  • Queen Excluders: Grids placed between brood boxes and honey supers. They prevent the queen from laying eggs in honey storage areas.
  • Hive Stands: Elevate the hive off the ground to protect it from moisture and pests.

Find all of the bee box parts you need for your ideal DIY beehive!

Must-Have Supplies & Hive Equipment for Beekeepers

Whatever your needs, our extensive selection of beehive components offers a range of sizes to meet any specific requirements. All our give parts boast superior quality, providing dependable longevity that will endure across numerous seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beehives

What’s the difference between a deep, medium, and shallow bee box?

Deep boxes are primarily used for brood, which is where the queen lays eggs. Medium and shallow boxes are also known as supers. They are usually added above the deep boxes for honey storage.

For a single beehive setup, you typically need 1-2 deep boxes. One is enough for a smaller colony, or for use during the early season. Many beekeepers expand to two deeps during the colder months, or as their colony expands. Beekeepers in warmer climates can often get by with a single deep year-round.

When used as honey supers, 2-3 medium boxes are usually appropriate. Additionally, three medium boxes can substitute for two deep. An all-medium setup is easier to lift, especially when boxes are full of honey.

Shallow boxes are most likely to be used by beginners or hobbyists for comb honey or lighter honey supers. Shallow boxes are not usually used for brood. Consider adding one or two shallow boxes for specialty use or for lighter lifting!

Can I build a DIY beehive with components from Mann Lake?

Yes! Our goal is to make it easy to build your own DIY beehive to your specifications. Mann Lake offers both assembled and unassembled beehives for your convenience. On this page, you’ll find mix-and-match beehive components for a DIY hive.

Unassembled kits are great for hands-on beekeepers. If you want to save on cost or customize your hive equipment, DIY is the way to go!

Mann Lake also offers fully assembled, painted, and unpainted beehive kits. Consider starting with a beekeeping starter kit and then customizing your setup as you learn more about the hobby.

What kind of beehive is best for beginners?

For beginners, we recommend Langstroth beehives with deep and medium hive boxes. They're great for new beekeepers due to their modular design and compatibility with common hive components.

How many frames go in a beehive box?

The number of frames you include in your beehive will depend on the box size. Luckily, it’s easy to figure out. The number of frames is usually in the name!

For example, an 8-frame beehive will hold eight boxes. Likewise, a 10-frame beehive will…you guessed it… hold ten!

How do I choose between 8-frame and 10-frame beehives?

The more frames in your box, the heavier the beehive will be. Don’t forget that frames get heavier when they’re full of honey. With that in mind, an 8-frame beehive is typically lighter and easier to lift than a 10-frame hive.

With that said, 10-frame hives don’t require as many ongoing box additions. In essence, they’re just a little roomier. They do weigh more, so they may not be ideal for those with limited strength.