We have a modular solution - SafeHive, that can solve 2 real problems affecting beekeepers.:
Through research and our own hands-on experimentation, we have been able to identify a handful of materials that repel ants while being harmless to bees. Specifically:
Our solution involves no pesticide. Besides being harmful to bees, our research showed that pesticides (like Raid) only kill the drone ants which merely causes the colony to produce more of those.
The materials we use are harmless to bees and humans. Turmeric, cinnamon and lemon oil are all excellent choices. Cinnamon is already being used to combat Varroa mites. So, this is a substantial bonus for us.
Providing a choice of different Repel-Ants that beekeepers use one-after-another decreases the chance that the ants will build immunity to any one Repel-ant.
Multiple Repel-Ant materials also allow multiple levels of protection for really bad infestations.
Innovation providing Safe Water source
Innovation providing a safe water source
Providing a reliable, safe water source was more difficult than we thought. Current solutions have the following problems: They mostly use chlorinated water which is harmful to bees. Solutions that involve the beekeepers refilling water on a regular basis are not reliable. When the beekeepers forget to refill water in time, bees go to other harmful sources like swimming pools and bird baths. Drip irrigation models waste water and are more expensive as they involve electrical components and controllers. Our fog-harvesting solution works well. It collects very pure non-chlorinated water, does not require the active/daily involvement of the beekeeper and works without needing any electricity or motors.
Our fog harvester can be attached to the frame that we use for ant repellent. We can sell both together or separately.