Langstroth: Layers of a Beehive
What makes a beehive so effective is its structure. Each layer mimics the levels of a real beehive, where honeycomb is formed. A classic hive, the Langstroth, is laid out in these sections from top to bottom:
Outer and Inner Cover: This is the “roof” of the hive, which keeps it protected from the elements.
Honey Supers: These two box sections hold hollow mesh frames, which are what beekeepers remove to collect honey.
Queen Excluder: This is an optional hive part, and keeps the queen and drones away from the honey, allowing only worker bees to pass through.
Deep Super or Hive Body: This section of the hive is where bees are raised and where honey production begins.
Bottom Board: This is where the bees enter the hive, working upward toward the supers.
Stand: The piece of wood on which the hive sits for stability.
This is a fundamental layout and doesn’t include things such as straps and weights, which protect the hive from predators. Some hives also feature an entrance reducer, which prevents intruders from entering the hive. This build is specifically designed for the Langstroth hive and is the most popular type used by both professional and hobbyist beekeepers in North America.