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How it works

How ThermaHive Works

ThermaHive™ uses precision heat and balanced airflow to address Varroa mites without chemicals. The system reproduces natural hive conditions while carefully maintaining temperatures that are considered lethal to mites but safe for bees and brood. We’re currently seeking beekeepers and testers who want to help us identify the optimal treatment range and treatment time, aka the “sweet spot,” where effectiveness and safety overlap.

Core Principles

ThermaHive™ operates on three key principles — precise heat, even airflow, and monitoring humidity — ensuring each treatment mimics the stable environment bees naturally maintain inside their hives while targeting mites safely.

Precise Heat

Temperature sensors hold hive temperatures within ±0.5 °C of the target zone. This precision prevents overheating while still reaching the effective range for mite suppression. Our goal is to pinpoint the exact “sweet spot” where mite mortality is maximized and bee stress minimized — and we’re inviting testers to help us refine that range under real-world conditions.

Even Airflow

Fans circulate warm air gently through the hive, eliminating hot spots. This consistency ensures every comb experiences the same temperature, increasing efficacy and reducing colony disturbance during treatment.

Balanced Humidity

Humidity sensors continuously monitor and adjust the internal environment. By maintaining an optimal range, ThermaHive prevents desiccation while promoting mite vulnerability — a balance crucial to reliable, repeatable results.
Field test with prototype unit
Field test with prototype unit.
Controller mounted to hive body
Controller mounted to hive body.
UI showing Ventilation Mode
UI: Ventilation Mode.

Step-by-Step Process

1

Setup & Start

Place ThermaHive™ at the hive base, confirm sensors are active, and start the selected program. The controller calibrates to ambient temperature before beginning.
2

Gradual Warm-Up

Temperature rises slowly, allowing bees to adjust naturally while reaching the target range.
3

Stable Hold

The system maintains a steady temperature near the “sweet spot,” holding every zone within safe limits.
4

Humidity Control

Humidity remains in a comfortable range to support treatment efficacy.
5

Cool Down & Ventilation

Air circulation equalizes temperatures and removes excess moisture.
6

Data & Review

View temperature curves, humidity trends, and runtime summaries to aid refinement.

Built-In Safety Systems

Dual temperature sensors: Cross-checks to prevent spikes or drift.
Automatic shutoff: Heater cuts power if any area nears unsafe temps.
Independent fan failsafe: Fans run automatically on unexpected rises.
Soft-start heating: Reduces thermal shock to brood and wax.
Power recovery logic: Safe restart without overshoot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical session take?
We estimate sessions will take no more than 2 hours, depending on conditions.
Do I need to remove frames or honey?
No. Even airflow and temperature control let you treat the entire hive intact.
Is it safe for queens and brood?
We’re validating with testers to ensure safety across hive styles and climates.
Can I become a tester?
Yes—join our tester network to help refine the “sweet spot.”
Will it impact enzymes in raw honey?
Short treatments should have minimal impact on raw honey quality.
Book an Appointment Schedule an appointment to learn more, see a live demo, and hear what we’re looking for from testers.