All-season, bubble thermal insulation mat, 10-frames WL beehive 42cmx42cm

An insulating mat for the hive is a simple way to keep bees comfortable all year round, resulting in better bee health and productivity.

Bees at a comfortable temperature all year round: how does the insulating mat work?

Polish conditions are cold in winter and hot in summer. However, the optimum temperature for bee brood development is 34.5°C. How do you help the bees to maintain it in the hive all year round?

The solution: insulating matting

The insulating mat is a product designed for year-round use in hives. Its action is based on two main mechanisms: An insulating mat for the hive is a simple way to keep bees comfortable all year round, resulting in better bee health and productivity.

Bees at a comfortable temperature all year round: how does the insulating mat work?

Polish conditions are cold in winter and hot in summer. However, the optimum temperature for bee brood development is 34.5°C. How do you help the bees to maintain it in the hive all year round?

• Thermal insulation: the mat has a foam structure that creates thousands of microscopic air chambers. Air is a poor conductor of heat, meaning that the mat provides an effective barrier to heat escape from the hive in winter and protects against excessive heating in summer.
• Radiation reflection: the mat has an aluminium layer that reflects infrared (heat) radiation. In winter, it reflects the heat generated by the bees and brood back into the hive. In summer, on the other hand, it reflects the sun's rays, protecting the hive from overheating.

The queen is placed on frames in the hive. This keeps the bees and brood warm, increasing the bee colony's chances of surviving the winter and developing properly in the spring. At the same time, the same mechanisms protect the hive from overheating in summer.

Ventilation in the hive

The use of an insulating mat in wooden hives does not affect the humidity level in the hive. In the case of polystyrene and styrodur hives, a mesh bottom is recommended to ensure adequate ventilation.

Advantages of using an insulating mat:

• Maintaining the optimum temperature for brood development throughout the year
• Increased chances of the colony surviving the winter
• Improved spring development
• Protection of the hive against overheating in summer