ERC’s Sustainable Apiary Model:
Introducing the Bee Barn
Meet ERC’s one-of-a-kind Bee Barn, our innovation in bee hive design!
The Bee Barn was developed to address bee health issues including overwinter mortality, climate control within the hive, and spring forage optimization. Based on scientific study and an understanding of the best elements of historical hive design, it represents an innovative step forward in beekeeping best management practices to improve bee wellness. In conjunction with the other components of ERC’s Sustainable Apiary Model, which includes optimal bee forage, innovative mite control design elements, and swarm cycle queen rearing techniques, we are recording amazing results in the improvement of bee wellness at ERC.
Here are some unique, technical features that make the Bee Barn so successful:
Temperature & Humidity Controlled
by a simple heating and cooling system that allows for our bees to stay at an optimal temperature regardless of outside temperature. This is not only important in the freezing winters, but also the hot summer months.
Interior and Exterior Entrances
allow for cleansing flight management during the cold winter months.
Long, Round Tubular Entrances
make it especially hard for any predators, including wasps, to get into the hives. Our buZzy bees, however, can happily come and go as they please.
ERC is currently conducting studies on the success of the Bee Barn’s unique design. We are pleased to announce a 100% overwinter survival rate for the past three years in a row. We will continue to monitor and adapt the design in the next 24 months to ensure we are 100% confident it is ready to share with the world.
Check out the process behind building our one-of-a-kind Bee Barn
Funding contributions in part from: Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC with funding from the Government of British Columbia. And material donations from the Nelson Home Building Centre.
