Their hard work has helped thousands of honey bees survive around the world.
On planet earth, all living things coexist in a delicate balance. All species are valuable in keeping the planet healthy. Currently there are hundreds of associations that care for endangered species in order to maintain balance. However, one of the most threatened animals that few take the time to appreciate are bees.
Bees are known for the honey they collect, however, they are a vital part of the development and health of the plants that surround us. Therefore, if the bees go extinct, life on the planet would be extinct in a few years. Although there are other animals that can carry out pollination, bees are the queens of this work.
Photo: Freepik.
For this very reason, Stuart and his son Cedar wanted to do something to protect the bees and they created this curious refuge. His invention has revolutionized the beekeeping industry as well as the ephemeral life of bees.
In case you didn’t know, there are several species of bees, but the most coveted and agile for the creation of honey is the Apis mellifera. It is distributed throughout the world and is the one commonly used by beekeepers for their work. A single bee can travel hundreds of miles in a single day, visit thousands of flowers to collect pollen, but only produce 1/12 tablespoon of honey in its lifetime. Of course, between 30,000 and 60,000 bees live in the hives to be able to produce several kilos of honey.
Photo: HoneyFlow
However, the process of collecting honey is often complicated and even dangerous, both for humans and bees. Beekeepers have to resort to gases to calm the bees, but this is stressful and even deadly for them, without forgetting that beekeepers are at risk of receiving their sting.
The father and son duo of Cedar and Stuart Anderson thought they looked at the beekeeping process and realized it hadn’t changed in 150 years. So they started looking for an easier way to make both humans and bees collect honey.
that’s how he was born Flow Hive, an “artificial” hive that will generate a positive impact on the planet.
Photo: honeyflow
This family thought of a way to make it easier to collect honey from the combs but also avoid causing undue stress to the bees. But their vision does not stop here, because they are not only dedicated to selling beehives that want to start in the business of collecting honey, but they also seek to raise awareness about the importance of bees.
the hives Flow They allow honey to be obtained with the ease of opening a tap and without the bee being disturbed in the process. On the outside it looks like a decorative wooden house, but inside the beehive magic happens. The invention consists of honeycombs connected to tubes that let honey flow directly from the hive into a jar.
The hexagonal cells of the comb are not completely closed, so the bees cover each cell with wax, completing the hexagon. They then begin to deposit the honey and when the comb is full the honey is ready to be collected. A special key is inserted that causes the cells to move, allowing the honey to start flowing and falling. While the process occurs, the insects remain safe and stress-free. Once the collection is complete, the key is turned again so that the cells return to their original shape and the process can start again.
Photo: honeyflow
This revolutionary mechanism has already reached more than 150 countries around the world and with more than 100,000 hives distributed. In addition, the company offers courses for beginner beekeepers in which they not only teach how to use the hive but also about other areas that affect pollinators, such as the use of insecticides.
Part of the profits have been donated to international associations that are in charge of protecting the planet’s pollinators. In general, these are ecosystem conservation projects around the world.