Flying barriers - a mandatory element for the taphole, allowing you to adjust its clearance. There are several types of such valves, they are made of various materials. The principle of using a trap is simple. You can buy a taphole valve or make it yourself - there are several options.
Types and design features
There are two types of cage chokes: rectangular and round. Each species has certain characteristics.
Rectangular shape considered obsolete. It looks like a door latch and can provide 2 or more positions.
A rectangular obstruction is attached to the slit-shaped notch. There are several options for the valve:
- solid;
- 2 lattices;
- 2 grids and additional holes.
Round barrage considered a more modern option. It is convenient to install and easier to use. Another advantage is the greater number of functions:
- closes half of the exit;
- completely blocks the exit;
- opens access;
- opens ventilation.
There are also several versions of the round gate valve, which also determines the number of its functions. The price difference is insignificant.
Flying barriers can also be made in the form of a cone, butterfly, and other configurations. All these are subspecies of a round valve.
In addition to the shapes and design features, the difference lies in the material of execution. Factory entrance barriers are usually made metal. The advantage of a metal valve is a high service life and reliable protection against rodents. The downside is the rapid cooling in the cold and the cooling of the hive.
Factory-made cradle can be made made of plastic. It will also last long enough, but unlike metal, the hive will not chill. The disadvantage of a plastic valve is that it is less resistant to rodents.
Another material for entrance minelayers - wood. It is more often used for self-made structures, but you can also find a wooden valve from the manufacturer on sale. The main advantage of wood is that it retains heat for a long time. The material does not interfere with rodents, it can swell from moisture and jam. Among the shortcomings and a short service life. The attractiveness of a tree in the manufacture of a taphole on its own lies in the ease of processing.
How to choose?
When choosing a summer cage for a finished hive, you should focus on the summer cradle itself:
- The shape of the tap hole and the shape of the valve must be the same.
- The execution variant of the barrier taphole determines its functionality and ease of use. It is better to choose a design with two gratings and holes. Such a model is more expensive, but it performs several functions.
- An important criterion is the size of the cage. It should completely cover the notch, that is, correspond to it in diameter or width and height.
- The factory product may not fit if the hive is made independently, and the notch in it is made non-standard. In this case, you should think about doing the valve on your own.
Principle of use
Using a cage chaser is quite simple. It is fastened with profiles or with a self-tapping screw (screw) - the features of the fastening depend on the shape of the device and the embodiment.
A rectangular gate valve usually slides to the side. By changing its position, you can completely open or close the taphole, restrict access by half. The suppressor may provide for a partial closure of the tap hole. This does not interfere with the normal life of the bees, but protects the hive from the entry of mice - a serious threat in the apiary.
If there is a lattice in the trap, then the closure with it is usually carried out in the swarm state of insects. The grill does not interfere with the worker bees, but creates an obstacle for the queen and the drones. As a result, they remain in the hive, and the bees will not fly away without a queen.
If the trap provides a segment with additional holes, then you can completely block the entrance for bees. The holes in this case provide ventilation.
The round minelayer is attached with a central part above the tap hole. It rotates around its axis so that the required segment is opposite the tap hole. The principle of use is the same as in the case of a rectangular gate valve.
Making a do-it-yourself cradle
The flap valve can be made on its own. This is done not so much in order to save, but rather to perform an individual design that is ideally suited to the tap hole in shape and size.
You can independently make a taphole from various materials - metal, plastic, wood, plywood, plexiglass. The configuration options are limited only by the beekeeper’s imagination.
Rectangular gate valve made of metal
For such a taphole, it is better to use stainless or galvanized steel. Enough material thickness of 1 mm. The width of the trap should correspond to the notch, the length - up to 25 cm.
Manufacturing algorithm:
- At least 2 plates should be prepared. In one of them it is necessary to make a round hole in the center.
- The lower and upper edges of the plate must be bent with a step.
- Attach the bases of the steps above and under the entrance. The distance between the walls of the hive and the main part of the plate should be sufficient to fit and move another metal plate, which will be a trap.
- It is possible to make several segments on one plate or make several plates. There should be a complete plug, a segment or plate with holes for ventilation, a restraint for queens and drones. The last function can be provided by making a slot of sufficient size on the lower edge of the metal strip to allow the working bee to pass.
- One edge of the metal strip-latch must be bent. It will act as a limiter and handle for movement. If you use one plate with different segments, then after installation it is necessary to bend its second edge, which will be the limiter.
Round entrance minelayer
A round-shaped trap can be made of metal, plastic, plexiglass, plywood - the manufacturing algorithm is the same:
- It is necessary to cut a circle from the desired material. Its radius should correspond to the diameter of the tap hole.
- A hole must be made in the center - with the help of a self-tapping screw or a screw, the finished trap must be attached above the tap hole. It should move freely around its axis and lock in position.
- The finished circle must be divided into segments. Each of them must correspond to the size of the tap hole. Usually 4 segments are performed:
- deaf part;
- closing the notch halfway;
- with a small hole for ventilation;
- the presence of an opening for insects.
Wooden flyback
This design is simple and is performed for a slotted taphole. The barrage is a wooden block that is attached to the notch. Further actions are as follows:
- From the side of the notch, perform a groove - here from two sides the slats will be inserted.
- A rectangular outlet for insects is cut from the outside.
- The slats are inserted on both sides and should be in close contact in the center, completely blocking the passage. They need to be equipped with handles to restrict and ease movement. Each rail should be several centimeters longer than half the width of the bar. They should move freely enough, but at the same time tightly. By sliding and sliding the slats, you can completely block the entrance, leave a passage for insects or a small gap for ventilation.
The entrance barrier is an important element of the hive. It provides several functions at once. The trap can be made of various materials in several configurations. You can buy a ready-made device or make it yourself.