The application of plastic film is a functional necessity for maintaining moisture levels and ensuring feed accessibility. Inside the beehive, high temperatures cause rapid evaporation, which can render uncovered protein supplements dry and inedible. The plastic film acts as a vapor barrier to keep the feed soft while simultaneously directing bees to consume the supplement from the most efficient leverage points—the edges and the bottom.
The primary function of the plastic film is to prevent the protein supplement from hardening into an unpalatable block due to hive heat. It ensures the feed remains moist enough for bees to ingest while guiding their feeding behavior.
The Critical Role of Moisture Retention
Counteracting Hive Temperature
The internal environment of a beehive is maintained at a relatively high temperature to support brood rearing. This heat creates a significant evaporation risk for any moist substance introduced to the colony.
Without a barrier, the water content in protein supplements evaporates rapidly. The plastic film effectively seals the moisture in, protecting the supplement from the ambient heat of the hive.
Preventing Feed Spoilage through Hardening
When protein supplements lose their moisture, they do not just become dry; they physically harden. Bees cannot consume hard, dry feed.
By retaining moisture, the plastic film ensures the supplement maintains a soft, pliable consistency. This preservation of texture is the difference between a nutritional resource and a wasted, solid block that the bees will ignore.
Guiding Bee Behavior for Efficient Feeding
Directed Feeding Paths
The placement of the film serves a navigational purpose. It prevents bees from attempting to feed from the top surface, where the feed might dry out fastest or where bees could become stuck.
Instead, the film guides the bees to approach the supplement from the edges or underneath. This ensures a continuous, orderly supply of nutrition as they work their way through the softest parts of the patty.
Understanding the Operational Dynamics
The Trade-off: Access vs. Preservation
Using plastic film restricts the total surface area immediately available to the bees. This is a calculated trade-off.
While it blocks access to the top of the patty, this restriction is necessary to prevent the formation of a dry "crust" that would eventually block access to the moist interior. The limitation of top access guarantees the longevity and total consumption of the supplement.
Making the Right Choice for Your Colony
If your primary focus is preventing waste:
- Ensure the plastic film covers the majority of the surface area to stop the rapid hardening that renders feed unusable.
If your primary focus is consistent nutrition:
- Rely on the film to direct bees to the edges and bottom, ensuring they consume the supplement in a continuous, manageable flow.
The plastic film is not merely packaging; it is an active component in the feeding system that ensures nutrition is actually delivered.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Function of Plastic Film | Impact on Bee Colony |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Retention | Blocks evaporation caused by high hive temperatures. | Keeps protein feed soft and palatable for bees. |
| Texture Control | Prevents the formation of a dry, hard "crust." | Eliminates feed waste by ensuring total consumption. |
| Feeding Guidance | Directs bees to feed from the edges and bottom. | Ensures efficient, orderly, and continuous nutrition. |
| Operational Life | Acts as a vapor and temperature barrier. | Extends the shelf-life of the supplement inside the hive. |
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References
- Hatem Sharaf El-Din, M. A. Abd Al-Fattah. The type of protein supplement or substitute and its location from brood affect honeybee colony performance. DOI: 10.21608/sjas.2022.114530.1179
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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