Bee hive split how to#
Bee hive split full#

Once you have the two parts of the existing hive separated, we then move into connecting them with their new halves from the new hive.

Rejoining the split to create two new hives Working gently and with a steady hand is key. If it needs some help coming apart you can gently (using fingers or knife) separate the brood structure. If it is roughly even, leave it to separate itself and keep in mind the spiral pattern of the Tetragonula Carbonaria one half will look less full, this is ok.

Slowly and gently fold the top part of the hive split back on itself (think of it like opening a book) stop once about 10cm ajar to observe how the brood structure inside the hive is separating, ideally we want this to be an even split.

You should hear a gentle popping noise as the resin they’ve sealed the hive with separates.

Now use a hive tool or similar object in one of the corners of where you’re splitting to ‘pop’ open the hive.

Only run to the depth of the external wall.

Gently use the knife to separate any existing masking tape etc from where you are splitting the bottom of the hive away.

Undo the bottoms screws of the existing hive as you will be giving the existing bottom a new middle and top and the existing middle and top a new bottom.

Lay out the new hive, have the bottom separate from the middle and the top (have the middle and the top connected.

Bee hive split full#

Move full hive to table or ground where you will be splitting.

It also gives you the day to observe the hive and make sure everything has gone smoothly. We prefer to split in the morning so everything is done before things warm up as the bees don’t like direct sunlight on their hive and heat can cause the hive structure to melt.

Is your hive in good condition? Is the timber showing signs of rot etc?Įnsure you have a clean sturdy space to work on, a trestle table etc works well to make things easier or you can simply use the ground, ideally with a tarp etc to keep everything clean.

Are you planning on harvesting honey? It is best to either split or harvest honey, not both at the same time.

What does the weather forecast look like? Are there periods of unseasonal rain or low temperatures in the coming week/weeks? Or a heat wave expected? If so, best to hold off.

What season is it? Spring or Summer are the best times to split.

We do also have a full list of empty hive weights here.

How heavy is your hive? We prefer our hives to weigh minimum 8kg before splitting.

Things to consider before splitting your hive If you only have one hive it is always a good idea to at least split once so you always have a spare incase something was to happen to your original hive.

This is a general guideline of how we split stingless Australian native bee hives keeping in mind that there are many opinions and ways of doing things, this is what has worked for us over the years.

Bee hive split how to#

How To Split Stingless an Australian Native Bee Hive