Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of vacuums that have been successfully used on our bee vac.

NOTE: Only vacuums with “detachable blower” (ie. leaf blower) are supported for integrated use. Please let us know if you have found another model vacuum that works with our integrated mount.

Models in BLUE are current models.

Order Ridgid mount:

• RIDGID 4 Gallon 6.0-Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum with Detachable Blower, Fine Dust Filter, Hose and Accessories Model # WD4080
• RIDGID 12 Gal. 6.0-Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum with Detachable Blower, Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Accessories Model # HD1280
• RIDGID 16 Gal. 6.5-Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum with Detachable Blower Model # HD1600
• RIDGID 16 Gal. 6.5-Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum with Detachable Blower, 20 ft. Hose Model # HD1600D
• RIDGID 12 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac w/ Detachable Blower Model # WD1280
• RIDGID 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac w/ Detachable Blower Models # WD1665
• RIDGID 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac w/ Detachable Blower Models # WD1680
• Craftsman 12 Gallon Detachable Wet/Dry Vac | Sears Item# 00917557000 | Model# 17557
• Craftsman 16-gal 6.5-peak hp Wet/Dry Vac with Detachable Blower | Sears Item# 00917066000 | Model# 17066

Order Shop-Vac mount:

• We are unaware of any current Shop Vac models. Read more about the current Shop Vac situation.
• Shop-Vac 16-Gallon 6.5-Peak HP Shop Vacuum | Lowe’s item # 142518 | Model # 9311711
• Shop-Vac 12-Gallon 6.5-Peak HP Shop Vacuum | Lowe’s item # 549707 | Model # 9313211
• Shop-Vac 12-Gallon Shop Vacuum | Lowe’s item # 1061455 | Model # 9315011

We highly recommend using 2-1/2″ diameter shop vac-style vacuum hoses for optimal performance and bee safety.

There’s a common misconception that the corrugated design of shop vac hoses is harmful to bees. While the exterior appears ridged, the internal bore is relatively smooth. In our experience, with proper suction settings and technique, bee mortality is often close to zero. We say “close” because it’s nearly impossible to avoid a few casualties during a removal—whether from nozzle contact, debris, or pre-existing losses. When used properly, it’s not uncommon to find fewer than a dozen dead bees after a job.

Some may suggest using smaller-diameter, smooth-bore hoses, but these are typically much stiffer and harder to work with. The 2-1/2″ shop vac hose offers greater flexibility and functionality.

Here’s a helpful analogy: running full speed down a narrow 2-foot hallway means you’re likely to bump into the walls. But in a 4-foot hallway, you have more room to move safely. Similarly, the larger hose diameter provides more space and airflow, reducing the chance of bee clogs and improving overall safety. In our view, the amount of suction matters far more than the slight interior corrugations.

No, our bee vacs work with any depth hives bodies. Based on the size of the swarm or cut-out, you can choose the best size hive bodies for the job.

Paint your bee vac just as you would any hive. Painting the inside of the bottom board helps cleaning it when you suck up debris and honey. We recommend not painting the inside of the vac top, especially the slide area.

We do not have plans available for our bee vac.

The volume of the super makes the air velocity drastically decrease once it exits the hose. This causes the majority of the debris (and bees) to drop out of the air flow. If you suck up a lot of dust, you will get a slight coating on the center combs.

Yes,  our card processing agent accepts credit and debit cards.

Unfortunately we do not have the means to process credit/debit cards via phone.  All orders must be made through our web store.   If you are uncomfortable using your credit/debit card online, our web store does provide the option to mail a check for payment.

We strive to ship all orders within 2 business days.

Note: If you pay for expedited shipping, the days quoted is for actual UPS shipping time, it does include processing time of preparing shipment. We will do our best to get expedited orders out the next day,  but can not guarantee it.

Yes we do.  Please email proof of your military service to [email protected] and we will email back a coupon to use during checkout. Please note that discount is only offered for bee vac products, not AZ hives.

When your order is shipped, you will receive an e-mail with your tracking information.  If you do not receive it, please check your spam folder.  If you still can’t find it, feel free to use the Contact Form and we will e-mail it to you again.

We recommend foreign customers use an international shipping company such as International Parcel Service when purchasing our products.  We do not have the means to handle international shipments.

USPS is a much cheaper shipping option for customers in Hawaii and Alaska, and although it takes extra logistics on our end,  we will do it for you.  It may take a few extra days for us to get your order out, and shipping time via USPS parcel will also be longer.   Please use the Contact Form if you would like a USPS parcel shipping quote.