Content
The Ruta hive is by far the most common model of home for a bee family. This invention was obtained thanks to the development of a famous beekeeper living in America. The first development was created by L. L. Langstroth, the model was subsequently modified by A. I. Ruth. As a result, the resulting model of a bee house is correctly called a Langstroth-Ruth hive.
A few facts from history
Langstroth is a name that is close to those figures who made a significant contribution to the development of beekeeping. It was he who created the revolutionary development - the creation of an opening Langstroth hive with movable honeycomb frames. The written work was published in 1853 and went through about 20 reprints.
Initially, the development was subject to modifications, in which a group of famous beekeepers took part. As a result, the book “The Hive and Honey Bees” was published, which was subsequently translated into all popular languages. The first edition went on sale in bookstores in 1946.Residents of the USSR saw this book in 1969 thanks to the Kolos publishing house.
A.I. Ruth, based on Langstroth's developments, developed a multi-level bee hive, which today is very popular among beekeepers. Ruth kept the small-sized body and shortened frame; among the additions, he added a flat roof and a removable bottom.
Design features of Ruta hives
If we consider the design features and dimensions of the Ruta hive for 10 frames, it is worth noting the following:
- the body is a box, with no bottom or lid;
- the magazine is slightly smaller in height than the body;
- both in the case and in the magazine there are small protrusions on which frames are installed;
- the frames of the Ruth hive are much smaller than those of other models;
- insects use the bottom as a hole, so it has no front wall;
- the roof is flat;
- if necessary, parts of the structure can be placed in any sequence convenient for the beekeeper;
- a grid is installed in the lower part of the bee house, which allows you to isolate the queen of the hive;
- the bottom taphole is the widest and there is a closing liner with small holes.
As a rule, insects use 1-2 bodies for wintering, so the rest should be removed before wintering. The lower entrance must be closed with a special liner.
Advantages of Rutov hives
The popularity of Rutov hives is due to a large number of advantages that even experienced beekeepers note:
- if you use the Ruta hive in accordance with all the recommendations for the proper maintenance of bee colonies, you can significantly increase the amount of pollen and honey collected, all this increases not only the productivity of the apiary, but also the possible income from the sale of finished products;
- due to the design features, it is possible to increase the size of the Rutov hive; in this case, it is recommended to use a half-magazine or an extension with semi-darkness;
- keeping bee colonies in such hives as comfortable as possible, since the conditions are close to the natural habitat, thanks to the multi-body device, the insect family can be expanded and strengthened, comfortable living conditions increase the level of productivity;
- if necessary, the product can be purchased at a specialized store or created at home yourself; Ruta hives have an acceptable cost;
- As a rule, beekeepers begin cleaning hives in the spring; such models allow the work to be carried out without much effort - just replace the old bottom.
In addition, it is worth considering that the honeycombs are located in the upper part, as a result of which it is convenient to pump out honey without disturbing bee nests.
Dimensions of Ruta hives
If we take into account the standard drawing of a Ruth hive for 10 frames with dimensions, then the size values can be seen in the table below.
| Length (in mm) | Width (mm) | Height (in mm) |
Frame | 520 | 450 | 250 |
Internal dimensions of the Ruta bee hive | |||
Frame | 450 | 380 | 240 |
Liner | 450 | 380 | 70 |
Roof | 450 | 380 | 70 |
External dimensions of the Ruta hive, while the thickness of the board should be 35 mm | |||
Liner | 520 | 450 | 80 |
Bottom | 520 | 450 | 70 |
Roof | 520 | 450 | 80 |
The thickness of the board should be chosen based on the climatic conditions of a particular region. The lower the temperature in winter, the thicker the material needed to build a house for insects.
How to make a Ruta hive with your own hands
If you have the necessary tools and building materials on hand, you can assemble a Ruta hive of the required size at home. The production technology is simple, if you first take into account all the nuances, have a drawing at hand and carry out the work in stages.
Tools and materials
Many beekeepers are trying to find drawings and dimensions of a Ruth hive with 12 frames, in this case it is worth considering that this model includes 10 frames, the Dadan-Blatt hive model has 12 frames. As a rule, no special skills are required to make a house for bee colonies at home. The main thing is to follow all the recommendations and prepare all the material and tools that will be needed in the process of completing the work.
To create a durable and cozy home for insects, you need to purchase:
- dry wood, the thickness of which will be 35 mm;
- fastening - screws and nails;
- screwdriver;
- hammer;
- saw;
- glue.
Having all the necessary tools and materials, you can independently create hives that are suitable for insects.
DIY rue hives: drawings + dimensions
Creating a 10-frame root hive at home is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. To complete all the work on assembling Ruth hives correctly, you should take into account all the nuances, create your own drawing or adhere to standard dimensions.It is recommended to carry out all work in stages, strictly following all step-by-step recommendations.
The first step is to begin assembling the inner walls. For these purposes, it is necessary to use wood, the thickness of which varies from 2 to 4 cm. The side walls should have parameters - 53 * 32 cm, front and rear - 60.5 * 32 cm. All parts are fastened together.
After this, they begin to assemble the outer walls, the dimensions of which are 67.5 * 50 cm. The boards can be taken of a smaller thickness than for the inner walls. Fastening is carried out without the use of glue. The upper body is placed on the inner one and secured with nails. After this, tapholes are made.
The roof consists of a pediment and a ceiling, between which it is necessary to first leave a small gap, which is intended for the circulation of air flows. The thickness of the boards should be 1-1.5 cm. The roof is covered with waterproof material.
When assembling the bottom, it is worth considering that the edges should protrude slightly beyond the boundaries of the finished structure by about 2-3 cm; this is necessary to form the landing board.
The magazines are made according to the same principle as the body. The only exception is the presence of protrusions beyond the boundaries of the frames. If necessary, frames can be purchased at a specialized store or made independently.
At this point the work is completed, you can put the hive in the apiary and populate the bee colony.
Peculiarities of bee breeding in Rutov hives
If we take into account the natural habitat conditions of insects, then, as a rule, the combs are filled from the very top, the same thing happens in Langstroth-Ruth hives.If you periodically swap the housings so that there is an empty magazine between them, you can significantly increase the amount of honey.
Working individuals move freely throughout the hive, providing the eggs, hive queen and larvae with everything necessary for development. Once the brood has hatched, there is little space, so after a few weeks it is recommended to expand the hive - add a new body, which is placed between 1 and 2.
Frames filled with artificial wax are placed in an empty case. In the same way, it is worth adding the 4th and 5th buildings, while changing places of the brood, making a gap between it and the main mass. If necessary, the nest can be reduced.
Conclusion
The Ruta hive is the most common model designed for bees. At the time of its creation, this invention was a real breakthrough in beekeeping, as a result of which the development has pleased beekeepers around the world for many years. Such hives are used not only for small personal apiaries, but also on a production scale. Many believe that such success was achieved due to significant benefits for the majority of beekeepers; in addition, Ruta’s hives make it possible to make the life of insects as comfortable as possible, since the conditions are close to natural.
