GB2622436A

GB2622436A - Bespoke draw or floor system for applying phase change material thermotherapy treatments in beehives

Info

Publication number: GB2622436A
Application number: GB2213646.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ure Sami
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-09-16
Filing date: 2022-09-16
Publication date: 2024-03-20
Also published as: GB202213646D0

Abstract

A beehive draw /floor system 1,2,3,4 that has a thermal reflective base 4 that allows heat to be directed 14 into the beehive during the thermotherapy treatment of the beehive against varroa mites. The thermal reflective layer may be placed on the base of the tray or floor 4. One or a multitude of phase change material (PCM) devices 5 can be placed on top of the thermal reflective base 4. The draw/floor system can be installed within a beehive as a replacement for the conventional bottom board/floor of a hive (8, fig 5) or installed to treat only the brood box within a beehive (fig 8). The heat from the PCM travels upwards through the components of the beehive or brood box.

Description

Bees as pollinators are critically important for the production of vegetables and fruits and thus have a significant role in food security. They are essential to flowering plants and other wildlife and provide a considerable ecological and economic benefit to humans. There has been an overall decline in the global honey bee population and one of the biggest threats is the Varroa destructor. The Varroa destructor (Varroa mite) is an external parasite that effects adult honey bees and the honey bee brood. If left untreated, varroa destructor can cause deformed wing virus, reduced lifespan, a weakened bee colony with less population eventually resulting in the collapse of the entire bee colony. The reproductive phase of varroa mites happens exclusively in the capped cells of a developing bee brood.

The impact of Varroa requires beekeepers to monitor their bee colonies regularly and determine the most effective approach to control infestations.

There are two common approaches used to control Varroa mites; bio-technical and chemical. The bio-technical approach relies on the idea that mites inside brood cells are trapped and can then easily be removed from a honeybee colony. This method is labour-intensive, time consuming and is only suitable for so restricted periods. It also requires a high level of bee husbandry skill.

The chemical approach has led to the development of resistance in mite populations requiring beekeepers to apply different chemical combinations to lower the risk of resistance. Chemical treatment must be monitored carefully to ensure harmful residues do not lead to honey and wax contamination.

In recent years there have been several developments in Thermotherapy (Hyperthermia) treatments of bee colonies to combat Varroa infestations.

The temperature inside a normal hive is around 35°C which is caused by thermoregulation by the bees. Varroa mites do not survive at average temperatures above 38°C, as they much prefer colder temperatures. By applying a heat (hyperthermia) treatment method to elevate the bee colony temperature above 38°C, it is then possible to control the varroa mite infestation.

At present, there are several Chemical, Biotechnical and Thermotherapy treatments already available on the market used to control varroa mites. All existing Thermotherapy treatments require an external electrical power source, either through direct power or solar. With many bee keepers having their hives in remote locations, this method is in many cases not practical. There are also a number of bee keepers that do not treat their bees for varroa as they do not want to use chemicals. The present invention represents a novel and new solution for applying PCM based Thermotherapy treatments to beehives, allowing for the removal of an external electrical power source and acting as a non-chemical-based technology to control Varroa mites and support the honey bee population, organic bee farmers and hobbyist bee keepers. Our goal is eventually to lead to greater food security and uncontaminated honey.

Although there are a number of existing patented technologies referencing the heat treatment of Varroa mite in bee colonies as illustrated in the following table.

Publication Title SU1630730A1 DEVICE FOR THERMAL INFLUENCE ON BEES 5U1724135A1 METHOD OF TREATING BEES AGAINST VARROATOSIS SU 1308300A1 APPARATUS FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF BEES W02017210410A1 HEATER-EQUIPPED MAN-MADE BEEHIVE, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INVASIVE PESTS IN A MAN-MADE BEEHIVE US9363984B2 METHOD OF A THERMAL TREATMENT OF BEE COLONIES AND A DEVICE FOR PURSUANCE OF THIS METHOD US2012202403A1 Beehive frame and comb foundation for controlling varroa mites CA2916599A1 DEVICE FOR COMBATING THE VARROA MITE IN A BEE BROOD US2017064931A1 BEEHIVE FOR THE TREATMENT OF A COLONY OF BEES AGAINST THE INFESTATION BY MITES, AND METHOD OF TREATMENT W09214355A1 METHOD FOR THE CONTROL AND

DESTRUCTION OF PARASITIC VARROA MITES IN BEE LARVAE

DE3643872A1 Method and device for thermally combating the infestation with mites of bee colonies GR10051968 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THERMALLY TREATING BEES AGAINST ACARIASIS CAUSED BY VARROA MITES Patent Translate KR101813538B1 BEEHIVE HEATING SYSTEM AND A MANAGEMENT METHOD THEREOF W02004098276A2 HEAT SYSTEM FOR COMBATING MITES AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS IN A BEE-HIVE DE19831912A1 New method for destroying bee parasite comprising of thermostatically controlled heated box, accommodating hive inhabited by bees for certain period DE19834345A1 Bee-keeping hot-air drier disables Varroa mite legs, removing parasite without chemicals and without harming bee or honey Whilst many of the above patents refer to solving the Varroa issue by means of heat treatment, none of them refer to the use of a PCM/Heat pack system that is not driven by a power source (Mains/Solar/Battery), furthermore make no mention of using a bespoke draw / floor system featuring a thermal reflective base to push heat upwards into the beehive, it is for this reason therefore that the present invention can be seen to offers a new and novel option for this application.

Additionally, the present invention is for a bespoke draw / floor system that can be used with any thermotherapy treatments that use either single or multiple Phase Change Materials (PCM) pack / packs. The present invention can fit within the dimensions of any hive configuration or shape and features a unique thermal reflective layer on the floor / base, which allows for heat to be directed evenly and directly into the beehive above. This novel application method allows for the heat to rise steadily and equally throughout the entire hive, With this method of application there is no requirement for in situ power supply or external power source.

In addition to the patents listed above, there are several manufacturers currently producing and selling solutions to treat varroa mite infestations. Below is a list that includes a couple of the primary heat treatment technologies, as well as the most commonly used chemical solutions.

Mighty Mite Killer -https://www.facebook.com/mightymitekiller The Mighty Mite Killer is a thermotherapy solution currently being sold across North America which consists of a simple electric heater connected to an external battery. The electric heater is turned on and heats the bee hive to a set temperature for at least two hours in order to kill any Varroa mites. This system suffers from being both bulky and complicated to set up, whilst also being an expensive and time-consuming venture. The user must continually monitor the device and ensure there are no electrical faults, as any incorrect wiring or malfunctions could potentially cause a spark or source of ignition. This represents a significant fire risk and has a potential danger to both the bee hive / colony, as well as any bystanders / users.

Thermosolar Hive -https://www.thermosolarhive.com/ The Thermosolar Hive is a hive design that consists of multiple hive boxes that are equipped with an active surface material. This material is designed to absorb thermal energy from the sun to warm the beehive and brood chamber.

This system suffers from a couple of major drawbacks, firstly the hives thermal effectiveness and efficiency is directly linked to the solar strength on any given day. If there is minimal sun, or the weather is cloudy, windy or raining. Then this will all have a majorly negative impact on the Thermosolar Hives ability to heat and treat the brood chamber. This might not present an issue in climates where there is regular and consistent sun, however for many regions across the world this is not the case. The second major issue is the upfront cost of these Thermosolar Hives. The starting price for one of these hives is often at least two or three times more expensive than a basic bee hive. This upfront price / investment is off-putting to many bee keepers, as they are generally looking for lower start-up costs. Future maintenance is also a concern with these complex hive designs, as replacement panels can also be very costly and not replaceable from another supplier.

Oxvbee -Oxalic Acid Varroa Treatment: https://www.blog-veto-pharma. com/gb/tutorial-how-to-control-varroa-mites130 with-oxybee/ Oxybee is an oxalic acid-based veterinary drug to control varroa mite populations. This product is sold as a premixed liquid formula, which is then administered into the beehive by dripping the liquid into the spaces between the frames in the hive. The liquid then aims to kill off the Varroa mites inside the hive. This solution is the most common and widely used treatment method for Varroa mite infestations. It offers a fairly simply and cost-effective solution, however there are a couple of major drawbacks to this solution as well. Firstly, as this solution is a chemical-based product, it is adding a non-natural solution to the beehive. This runs a couple of risks, if the beekeeper accidentally pours too much liquid, then this can potentially have a harmful impact to the hive and bees. Additionally, by adding a non-naturally occurring chemical into the hive, this can potentially change the taste and quality of the honey produced within the hive. The second major issue is that this solution can only be applied above 15 degrees Celsius ambient temperature conditions. This treatment normally has to be completed at least three times a year, which can often mean that in climates where much of the year is below 15 degrees Celsius, this solution cannot be applied. Finally, Varroa mites will develop resistance to this treatment over time, as is the case with all chemical treatments. This requires beekeepers to constantly have to change chemical treatments over time which is costly and time consuming.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure-1 -PCM Draw / Floor System Figure 2 -Handle Alternative Designs Figure 3-PCM single heat pack on drawl floor system Figure 4-PCM multiple heat packs on drawl floor system Figure 5 -Conventional Beehive Design Figure 6-Conventional beehive with draw / floor system installed Figure 7-Draw floor system installed within beehive, whilst having 165 PCM devices added in either a single or multi-device configuration Figure 8-Drawl floor system installed to treat only the brood box within a beehive, whilst having PCM devices added in either a single or multi-device configuration Figure 1 illustrates the present inventions bespoke draw or floor system incorporating a thermal reflective base, figure 1 illustrates this as both individual items and as a whole. The draw housing (1) sits at the base of the beehive and allows for the draw or floor system (2) to be removed and slid back into the bee hive by using the built-in handle (3). The thermal reflective material layer is shown on the base of the tray or floor (4).

Figure 2 illustrates alternative handle designs for the present invention, whereby the draw or floor system (2) and thermal reflective material layer (4) can be removed from the draw housing (1) via a handle built in any geometric shape, size or orientation (3).

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate how a Phase Change Material (PCM) device (5) can be placed on top of the thermal reflective base (4) as either a single or as a multitude of devices (6), whilst sitting within the draw or floor (2) and allowing for easy placement into the draw or floor base (1) with use of the built-in handle (3). This built-in handle (3) also allows for easy removal of the PCM device (5) or devices (6) after use.

Figure 5 illustrates a conventional beehive design, featuring the hive stand (7) at the base and above this the conventional bottom board / floor (8). Following on from this is then the brood box (9), Queen excluder (10), medium / shallow super (11), inner cover (12) and finally the outer cover (13).

Figure 6 illustrates the addition / installation of the present inventions floor or draw system (1,2,3 & 4) installed as a replacement for the conventional bottom board / floor (8), whilst sitting on top of the conventional hive stand (7).

Figure 7 illustrates the floor or draw system (1,2,3 & 4) installed within the hive and with the addition of the PCM device / devices (5 & 6) placed on top of the thermal reflective base (4), which is specifically designed to reflect the heat from the PCM device / devices (5 & 6) up into the beehive (14). This heat is then able to spread throughout all of the beehive component layers (9,10,11,12 &13).

Figure 8 illustrates the floor or draw system (1,2,3 & 4) installed below the brood box (9) within the hive and with the addition of the PCM device / devices (5 & 6) placed on top of the thermal reflective base (4), it is specifically designed to reflect the heat (14) from the PCM device! devices (5 & 6) up into the brood box (9). This application allows for a more specific treatment of PCM thermotherapy, as it relates directly to treating the brood.

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Claims

Claims; 1. A bespoke draw or floor system incorporating a thermal reflective base designed to allow for the application method of Phase Change Material (PCM) thermotherapy treatments of beehives against Varroa mites.
265 2. Any draw or floor system as according to claim 1; that may be applied to any part of the hive in any horizontal, vertical, inclined or other orientation for the purpose of elimination of Varroa destructor from adult honey bee and honey bee brood utilising PCM's.
3. Any draw or floor system as according to claims 1 & 2 that can be applied 270 to a beehive as either a temporary or permanent base.
4. Any draw or floor system as according to claims 1, 2 & 3; wherein the construction material is wood, plastic, metal or any other material.
5. Any draw or floor system as according to claims 1, 2, 3 & 4, wherein either a single or multiple PCM devices are used.