FAQ
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Each Apimaye hive comes with:

• Queen excluder

• Removable bottom tray for pest control (Integrated Pest Management - IPM)

• Pollen trap

• Entrance reducer & mouse guard

• Top feeder (ideal for sugar syrup feeding)

• Lock & latch handles for easy transportation

• Plastic frames (wax-coated)

• Division and uniting board for colony splitting (Defender)

If the primary focus is honey production, the Ergo Series is the recommended choice. With a wide range of components to streamline apiary work, it enhances colony efficiency while saving the beekeeper’s time and energy, ultimately delivering better results. For advanced colony management including: queen breeding, rearing, colony uniting, or overwintering small colonies, the Defender hive provides the most effective solution. Its specialized features provide practical solutions that support the most demanding aspects of colony management.

Air enters from the screened bottom board and moves up through ventilation ducts in the side walls. Hot air exits through louvers on the hive top cover, preventing moisture buildup and mold.

Bees regulate the airflow autonomously, ensuring precise control of temperature and humidity for optimal hive conditions.

Apimaye Ventilation system ensures optimal humidity and temperature balance, especially in high-humidity environments.

The bottom tray captures pests such as Varroa mites and small hive beetles, with a design that prevents them from climbing back into the hive. Beekeepers can use sticky boards or natural traps without chemical treatments. The IPM system improves overall hive hygiene and colony survival rates.

The health and wellbeing of the bee colony is one of our main priorities, as it is key to effective and sustainable beekeeping. Materials used in Apimaye hive production, such as food-grade HDPE, are safe for bees. Our solutions, integrated into components such as bottom boards, feeders, and queen excluders, are designed to prevent common problems and reduce losses.

Our boxes are available in a variety of standards and local variations (e.g., Langstroth USA) as well as in different sizes. To ensure the best fit, we recommend checking the exact dimensions before ordering.

Our HDPE hives like Defender and Ergo Polyee stay in perfect condition for 30 years, Woodee depending on climate conditions 5-15 years.

Much depends on your aims, for honey production we suggest Ergo, for queen breeding and colony uniting Defender would be better choice. As you grow your apiary and expand your hive collection, it’s worth remembering the rule of balance: for every 10 production hives, one queen-breeding hive and one swarm hive provide greater control over rearing and selection.

Yes, food-grade HDPE is fully safe for honey and other bee products, as it complies with international food-contact standards and does not release harmful substances.

Yes! Flow Hive frames can be used in Apimaye hives with some adjustments:

• Flow Frames fit inside Apimaye supers but may need minor modifications to the top cover for proper operation.
• The ventilation and insulation of Apimaye hives enhance the performance of Flow Frames, helping regulate moisture inside the hive and reducing the risk of fermentation.
• Bees may take time to adjust to Flow Frames in an Apimaye hive, but once accepted, they work efficiently.

Apimaye hives are constructed from food-grade, UV-resistant, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with anti-static additives. This material ensures durability, long lifespan, and resistance to harsh environmental conditions while being BPA-free and safe for bees.

Apimaye hives feature double-layer insulation that helps maintain a stable internal temperature:

• Warmer in winter: Reduces heat loss and prevents colony collapse due to cold.
• Cooler in summer: Protects bees from overheating, improving colony productivity.
• Energy efficiency: Bees expend less energy regulating temperature, leading to healthier colonies and increased honey production.

Hive hygiene and easy maintenance were key goals in designing Apimaye hives. The removable bottom tray simplifies cleaning, while frames and other components can be scraped, pressure-washed (60 bar), or wiped with a sponge. 

Smooth HDPE surfaces can be cleaned with warm water (below 65 °C) using mild food-grade soap or a washing-soda solution. For sanitation, low-pressure steam or dilute bleach may be applied when necessary, provided surfaces are thoroughly rinsed and dried.

Yes, Apimaye hives help reduce swarming through stable internal temperature and by reducing colony stress.

Division boards allow colony splitting, providing beekeepers with swarm control options.

Yes, Apimaye hives are ideal for migratory beekeeping due to:

• Secure locking system, preventing hive disassembly during transport

• Lightweight but durable construction, making them easy to move

• Superior insulation, reducing colony stress in changing environments.

Yes, Apimaye hives are fully compatible with Langstroth frames. However, due to the thicker insulated walls, standard wooden supers may not fit directly on Apimaye brood boxes. We offer bottom boards compatible with wooden supers, allowing seamless stacking.

Yes, Flow Hive frames can be used in Apimaye hives with some adjustments, please check Apimaye Products section for detailed instructions.

Yes! Please feel free to contact us — our team is available to assist with any technical inquiries regarding Apimaye beehives. You may reach us via phone +90 212 422 52 55, email support@apimaye.com or through our social media channels, whichever is most convenient for you.

ApiMaye hives are present in over 40 countries worldwide, including the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, the Middle East, Italy, and many more.

We are expanding our retail network, our hives can already be found on beekeeping marketplaces, on Amazon. You are also welcome to contact us or our distributors directly.

Special offers are available for large-scale commercial apiaries, and we are open to custom modifications, feel free to contact us for more information.

We strive to keep delivery times as short and convenient as possible. Depending on the destination, shipping may take from just a few days to several weeks.

Check for proper alignment and use the lock-and-latch system to secure parts firmly. If tight, make sure surfaces are free of propolis or wax buildup. If loose, confirm compatibility with the frame standard used.

Polymer hives are insulated and airtight, so ventilation management is essential. Ensure the ventilation filters and entrance reducers are properly adjusted. Active ventilation is designed for bees to regulate, but keep the bottom tray clean to maintain airflow.

Hive hygiene and easy maintenance were key goals in designing Apimaye hives. The removable bottom tray simplifies cleaning, while frames and other components can be scraped, pressure-washed (60 bar), or wiped with a sponge. Smooth HDPE surfaces can be cleaned with warm water (below 65 °C) using mild food-grade soap or a washing-soda solution.

For sanitation, low-pressure steam or dilute bleach may be applied when necessary, provided surfaces are thoroughly rinsed and dried.

Apimaye hives are made from specially developed, temperature-resistant HDPE. They retain shape and performance across a wide temperature range. Avoid direct contact with open flame or placing hives on hot metal surfaces.

Some colonies may need time to adapt to new materials. Rubbing a little beeswax on frames or inside surfaces often helps acceptance. Over time, bees will naturally coat the interior with propolis.

Use the integrated bottom tray to monitor and trap mites. Its design prevents pests from climbing back up. Regular cleaning and drone frame rotation can further reduce mite levels without chemicals.

Yes, Apimaye hives are manufactured in standard frame sizes (Dadant, Langstroth). Most accessories are interchangeable, though it’s recommended to use matching ApiMaye components for best fit and check the dimensions of hive components if combining hives from other manufacturers with ApiMaye equipment.

With proper use and maintenance, Apimaye polymer hives typically last over 25 years. Their durability, recyclability, and resistance to weathering make them a sustainable choice.

Minor scratches or dents don’t affect performance. For structural damage, replacement parts are available. Since the material is fully recyclable, worn-out elements should be replaced rather than repaired.

Yes, our hives are fully recyclable.

Apimaye hives contribute to sustainable beekeeping through durable polymer construction that lasts for decades, significantly reducing deforestation from frequent replacement of wooden hives. Made from fully recyclable materials, they minimize environmental impact, while requiring no repainting or weatherproofing, which reduces waste production compared to wooden hives. In addition, the Integrated Pest Management system enables effective Varroa control without chemicals, lowering contamination risks for bees and bee products.

Apimaye beehives enhance sustainable beekeeping by optimizing colony health through advanced insulation and active ventilation, reducing thermal stress and the need for supplemental winter feeding. The integrated IPM system mitigates Varroa infestations and prevents mold and moisture accumulation, decreasing reliance on chemical treatments. Increased colony survival lowers hive turnover and transport frequency, reducing CO₂ emissions, while the thermally stable design also limits water consumption by bees.