What are two main types of beehives used in beekeeping?

The two main types of beehives used in beekeeping are the Langstroth hive and the top-bar hive. The Langstroth hive is the most widely used type worldwide due to its efficient design, which features removable frames that allow beekeepers to easily inspect and manage the colony. This hive structure promotes good ventilation and ease of honey extraction, making it favorable for both hobbyists and commercial beekeepers.

On the other hand, the top-bar hive is designed with bars laid across the top for the bees to build their comb downward. This style allows for a more natural beekeeping approach and is often favored by those who value a more hands-off technique, as it enables bees to build their comb without foundation and allows for minimal disruption during hive inspections.

While options like horizontal and vertical hives or wooden and plastic hives might describe characteristics of beehives, they do not represent the principal types recognized and utilized broadly in beekeeping practices. Each of the main types, Langstroth and top-bar, cater to different management styles and beekeeper preferences, making them foundational to the practice.