Unveiled this year at CES 2019 was the concept for a new high-tech beehive that might be able to help beekeepers protect and fight against Varroa mites.
These mites are regarded as a top pest that beekeepers have to deal with, it can be quite a challenge to eradicate the pests without also risking the destruction of the hive altogether. Dealing with an infestation would also require the quarantine of the infected colonies and could disrupt the seasonal pollination routines.
This new method eliminates any need for pesticides to be used to try and kill off the mites a common solution that many turn to when they face such a problem with their hives.
The new beehive is referred to as the Cocoon and it has been specifically designed to thwart these mites that pose such a threat to bee colonies.
how does it work?
The mites will reportedly start to die when they are subjected to temperatures anywhere above 42C or 108 degrees Fahrenheit--but not the bees.
The new high-tech beehive reportedly costs around $950 each, compared to traditional hives that can cost between $200-$400 or more.
The new hive from the company Beelife is a design that comes with a solar panel mounted to the top which is able to power the heating system which will eventually heat the inside to 108 degrees. This should ideally eradicate the unwanted mites.
Aside from raising the temperature, the new beehive also has the ability to monitor the hive, provide cooling during hotter months of the year, and sound an alarm if needed.
As for right now the beehive design is also only at the prototype stage. It's an idea that is likely going to find a great deal of support. It's expected that the hive design will begin selling later this year.
Pics:
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