Heroic news for a bee truck traveling the mountains of Utah... Bees on the loose at the White House... And building a beautiful long lang hive!

This episode of Bee Love Beekeeping features host Eric Bennett in conversation with Curtis "Jack Lumber" Nielsen, a first-year beekeeper from British Columbia, Canada, who dove headfirst into beekeeping by building his own custom hive from scratch.

Rather than purchasing a standard setup, Jack designed and milled an impressive 80-inch long langstroth hive almost entirely from a single log harvested on his own property. Thick two-inch walls, spring-loaded recycled freezer hinges on the hefty lid, and a screened bottom complete this beautiful hive.

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A central theme in Jack's beekeeping philosophy is the "condensing hive method." This approach runs counter to conventional beekeeping wisdom about ventilation, which made for a lively discussion.

Jack is currently setting swarm traps baited with lemongrass oil and old brood frames, hoping to catch his first colony from the wild.

The host wrapped up by praising Jack's DIY craftsmanship and open-minded approach, inviting him back in five years to report on how his unique long langstroth performs — and whether every one of his thoughtful design choices paid off.

Video Version of This Episode

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your next order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Jack Lumber: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1082090891829171/user/61575394157709