Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers for beekeepers at every stage, from your first colony to your fifth.
Getting Started
Do I need experience to keep bees in a Wingspan hive?
No. The hive is designed to be approachable for a first colony, and the Bee Care library covers everything from ordering your first package of bees to your first inspection. Experienced beekeepers will find the transition equally straightforward, since the hive uses standard Langstroth frames.
How much time does beekeeping actually take?
A single hive typically needs a full inspection every one to two weeks during active season, roughly twenty to thirty minutes each time, plus seasonal tasks like feeding in early spring or preparing for winter. The Wingspan app reduces unnecessary inspections by showing you when a hive genuinely needs attention.
Where should I place my hive?
Bees do best with morning sun, afternoon shade in hot climates, a windbreak, and a water source nearby. Local ordinances vary, so check your municipality's rules on hive placement and distance from property lines before setup.
The Hive
Will my existing frames and tools work with the Wingspan hive?
Yes. The hive is built on the standard long Langstroth format, so frames, foundation, smokers, and hive tools you already own will work without modification.
Does the hive require assembly?
The hive ships flat-packed and is designed for one person to assemble in an afternoon with common tools, following the included Flight Manual. Fully assembled options may also be available; details are confirmed at checkout.
What's the difference between the hive alone and the hive with the System?
The hive alone gives you the ergonomic, long Langstroth format. Adding the System (Sensor Kit and App) gives you remote monitoring of temperature, humidity, weight, and activity, without needing to open the hive to check on it. See Compare Models for a full breakdown.
The System
Do the sensors harm or disturb the bees?
No. Sensors are installed in the hive structure during assembly, not in the brood nest or comb, and introduce no light or heat into the space the colony occupies.
Do I need cell service or Wi-Fi at my hive location?
The Sensor Kit requires a connection to transmit data to the app; specific connectivity requirements will be confirmed ahead of launch for both backyard and remote installations.
Ordering and Timing
When does the hive ship?
The first hives are scheduled to ship in early February. Preorders open in the fall, and joining the waitlist now secures your place in line.
Still have a question? Reach out through Drop Us a Line and a member of the Wingspan team will follow up directly.
