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New wooden quilt box for beehive with shavings image.

Build a Winter Quilt Box for Your Bees

Charlotte Anderson @ Carolina Honeybees, LLC
Here are some basic instructions on how to build a quilt box. And, some ideas for substitutions too.
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Tools

  • wire cutters
  • stapler and staples
  • Hammer
  • small nails

Supplies
 

  • 4 pieces wood to construct box 2.5-4” high – same dimension as your hive (or cut off honey super box)
  • 1 piece hardware cloth (1/8" mesh) (cut to fit your wooden frame)
  • 1 bag pine shavings (or other absorbent material)
  • 1 can exterior paint (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Construct a shallow wooden box – similar to a shim that will fit smoothly on top of your regular hive boxes. 
    A standard Langstroth box measures 16” by 19 7/8” outside dimensions. The box should be about 3-4” deep.
    You may also choose to cut down a shallow super to the correct size if you wish. 
    Wooden rim for beehive moisture box image.
  • Drill ventilation holes if desired. Some beekeepers drill ventilation holes in the sides of the wood box. 
    The 1/2 ” holes are angled to prevent rain from entering. 
    The inside of the holes are screened to prevent bees from entering.
    This is optional – if you do not have the ability to added holes, use a couple of popsicle sticks to raise the outer cover slightly and aid in airflow.
    Ventilation holes in wooden beehive shim image.
  • Cut hardware cloth (wire). Cut a piece of 1/8” hardware cloth (wire) 1” wider and longer than your wooden box. 
    This allows you to fold the wire sides up and form a wire bottom inside the wood box.  This will hold your absorbent material.  
    It should not hang down below the wood.  You can add an extra slat inside for support if needed.
    Formed hardware cloth to make bottom for hive quilt box image.
  • Add absorbent material.
    Pine shavings (found at any farm supply) are an excellent material for inside your quilt box. Pour enough inside the box to fill it almost to the top-when gently packed down.
    Another option, create a cheese cloth bag and fill it with pine or cedar shavings. This helps keep things less messy. And, it is handy is any problem arrives and you need to remove the shavings.
    Quilt box filled with pine shavings image.

Notes

*Instead of hardware cloth wire you may choose to use canvas if you have it on hand.
*You need 1/8 inch mesh size to prevent bees from getting in and to hold the shavings - check your mesh size when ordering.
*Wire cutters is the best way to cut hardware cloth but a sturdy pair of old scissors will work - but they may never be sharp again LOL.
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