A better hive for easier beekeeping

Beekeepers have used wood for their hives since time immemorial, and beekeeper Ryno Barnes of Hout Bay in the Western Cape was no exception. Wood is natural, safe, easy to work with and relatively affordable. About five years ago, however, a growing concern about deforestation led Barnes to start looking for material to replace wood in his beehives.

Plastic, he explains, is unsuitable as it is non- recyclable and bees are put off by its smell.

“Plastic can be chemically treated to overcome the smell, but this could negatively affect bee health and the environment,” he says.

After three years, he more or less gave up his search, as it appeared to be going nowhere. Then in 2020, an engineer mentioned