The scientific study carried out in the winter of 2019-2020 in partnership with the Deschambault animal science research center has raised several clues concerning the development of the Bee Space™ wintering slipcover.
“We wanted an optimal product that can resist Quebec harsh winters, says Olivier Lebrun, co-founder at Bee Space. Before introducing a product into the market, it was essential for us to validate its effectiveness in real conditions, otherwise it could have endanger living beings”.
VERIFICATIONS AND VALIDATIONS
Here is an exhaustive list of the verifications and validations obtained from the CRSAD and the ambassador-beekeepers involved in the research project:
POSITIVE COMMENTS:
- Quick, intuitive and easy to install;
- Durable and quality product;
- Utility of the prefabricated base;
- Ventilation and humidity management;
- Considerable reduction in mold rate;
- No hardware required for assembly;
- Longevity of related beekeeping equipment;
- Easy and non-intrusive spring inspection;
- Resistance to rodents and skunks;
- Thoughtful and suitable storage;
NEGATIVE COMMENTS:
- Long to install and intrusive anchors;
- Slipcover flaps too short;
- Bungee adjustment, wrong tension;
- Opening for non-existent cleanliness theft;
- Color choice not available;
- Traces of mold on the hemp insulation;
- Hard-to-fit wooden base;
OPTIMIZATIONS FOLLOWING VALIDATIONS AND USER THOUGHTS
Bee Space has set itself a very specific OBJECTIVE; designing products that reflect the needs of beekeepers and who fits the bee’s biology. Each comment and results have been analyzed thoroughly in order to develop the overwintering product we wanted that solves needs instead of creating problems.
MAIN OPTIMIZATIONS MADE
- Removal of anchors and optimization of the prefabricated base principle;
- Creation of anti-gust flaps (elongation of the membrane);
- Added a concealed opening for theft of cleanliness in the spring;
- Choice of colors available according to preference (heat control);
- Development of recycled and ribbed insulation (moisture management);
- Fluid and non-intrusive spring inspections;
01 | SIMPLE AND INTUITIVE INSTALLATION
The prefabricated bases have been designed to fit together manually without tools or any kind of hardware. No nails, screws or staples needed! Awesome, isn’t it!
In addition, the bases provide a stable and sturdy pedestal allowing it to be left in place all year-round. A slight slope is included in the design to allow water or condensation to run off the hive at all times. You only have to take care of the maintenance (annual or biannual) of your bases by offering them the protection of your choice. In this way, you will limit the premature deterioration of the wood and increase their lifespan!
02 | ADDITION OF ANTI-GUST MUDFLAPS
Anti-gust flaps have been added to refinement 2.0 to counter high winds, rain and blizzards. These are specifically designed to limit heat loss and prevent bad weather from entering the hive. Also, this addition allows its user to put the slipcover on the hive more easily.
03 | UPPER OPENING FOR CLEANLINESS FLIGHT
“The comparative study has shown that even without the ventilation opening hidden in front of the attic, the principle of breathability put forward by Espace Abeille is just as effective,” says Georges Martin, project manager at CRSAD . However, this opening allows the bees to perform their cleanliness flight at any time and even if the entrance to the hive is blocked by snow. In addition, it improves the evacuation of excess humidity generated by the bee colony and reassures some conventional septics.
“We listened to our customers while weighing the pros and cons of adding an opening or not. For us, the choice was obvious!” says Jimmy Riopel-Thibault, co-founder at Bee Space.
04 | COLOR CHOICES AVAILABLE
The Bee Space team has made color choices available so that beekeepers can choose their favorite design. This choice is not only aesthetic; the proposal of colors offered oscillates in dark tones for a reason of heat absorption. Dark colors draw heat towards them and help provide a quicker start to the season. Paler colors can be used just as well because this principle of heat absorption plays only a minimal role in the winter recipe.
The “queen’s choice” option offers a choice of random colors made up of new membranes, salvaged from old architectural projects. It is an ethical and environmental choice that allows the beekeeper to reduce the cost of acquiring the cover and to leave it up to chance to determine the aesthetic layout of his product.
05 | WHY CHOOSE PLASTIC-BASED INSULATION?
Plastic is often perceived as harmful to the environment, both for its manufacturing processes and for its recyclability. However, there is no good or bad material. There are only right or wrong ways to use them.
Bee Space promotes durability in favor of premeditated recurrence. Beekeepers know that beekeeping equipment in winter is faced with erratic weather conditions, a high risk of mold in the hives and constantly fluctuating ambient humidity levels.
To accommodate these variables, using recycled polystyrene insulation has proven to be the most sustainable solution. However, being a vapor barrier material (traps water vapor), our team has thought about a system of ribs to create a path for water vapor to the outside of the slipcover. This solution therefore makes it possible to adequately expel the excess humidity which usually accumulates in the cap of the wintering slipcover and which gradually damages the beekeeper’s related equipment.
Finally, our insulating panel is made of 50% recycled material and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life. What do you think of the plastic material now?
06 | EASY AND NON-INTRUSIVE SPRING INSPECTION
During the spring inspection, the beekeeper can easily remove the Bee Space slipcover without direct contact in order to add protein cakes (if necessary) and put the slipcover back on for the few remaining cool nights.
This step allows the beekeeper to ensure the good care of his colony without having to “damage” its winter envelope and thereby disturb these bees.
A PRODUCT THAT REFLECTS YOUR NEEDS
Bee Space slipcover reflects the intended use of a product. Simple, user-friendly and in line with our needs. A good product must constantly evolve and adapt to its market in order to keep up with the challenges it may face. Who knows their market best? the user himself. At Bee Space, we consider the beekeeper as a catalyst for innovation in the very creation of product development.
Bee Space team,