Definition:
The Langstroth beehive is the standard type of hive for raising honey bees in the United States today. It is commonly used in other countries as well. It was invented in 1851 by Reverend Langstroth, who discovered the "bee space" - that leaving a 1 cm or 3/8 inch space inside the hive would allow the bees to move in the space and they would not seal it with comb or propolis. Thus, the Langstroth hive allowed the parts of the hive to remain movable and easily inspected by the beekeeper.
A typical Langstroth hive is made up of the following parts:
- a telescoping or top cover
- an inner cover
- one or more hive bodies or boxes and/or honey supers
- 8-10 frames with wax or plastic foundation within each hive body
- a bottom board with optional entrance reducer
