Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What Wet/Dry vacuums can be used in the integrated configuration?

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:

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
What type of vacuum hose is recommended?

We strongly recommend using 2-1/2″ diameter shop vac-style hoses for bee vacuums, as they provide the best balance of performance, operator control, and bee safety.
A common misconception is that the corrugated design of shop vac hoses is harmful to bees. While the outside of the hose appears heavily ridged, the internal bore is actually relatively smooth. In our experience, when you use the proper level of suction and the right technique, bee mortality is often extremely low—often less than a dozen losses for an entire removal. (It’s worth noting that completely eliminating casualties is nearly impossible; a handful of losses can occur from nozzle impact, debris, or bees that were already deceased.)
Some users suggest switching to smaller-diameter, smooth-bore hoses. However, these alternatives are generally much stiffer, more cumbersome to handle, and do not offer the same ease of use or flexibility as standard 2-1/2″ shop vac hoses.
Consider this analogy: if you run down a narrow 2-foot hallway at full speed, you’re more likely to bump into the walls; in a 4-foot hallway, you have much more space to move without risk. The same applies here—the larger hose diameter allows more space and airflow, reducing the chance of bees getting clogged and increasing overall safety. In our view, proper suction adjustment is far more important than the minor corrugation inside the hose when it comes to bee safety.
Can I use a battery powered vac or "bucket" vac?
Battery-powered (cordless) wet/dry vacuums and “bucket” vacs are not recommended  for several core reasons:
  • Low Power Output: Battery shop vacs generally use compact motors designed to maximize battery life rather than raw power. They typically produce much less suction compared to their corded counterparts. Most models produce airflow in the 45–80 CFM range, far below the 120 CFM or greater of many corded vacuums.
  • Limited Airflow: Bucket vacs (e.g., Shop-Vac Bucket Head, RIDGID Bucket Vac) generally generate 65–80 CFM under ideal conditions—still well below what is possible from a full-size corded shop vac.
  • Inadequate for 2-1/2” Hoses: A 2-1/2” hose is designed for high-volume airflow. Lower-powered & limited airflow vacuums struggle to maintain appropriate airflow in a 2-1/2″ hose, especially when encountering large numbers of bees, wax debris, or comb fragments. The airflow is insufficient to carry material smoothly down the hose, so jams and clogs are common. Consistent suction drops will also stress the bees and reduce collection efficiency.
What extension vacuum hoses can be used?
Most 2-1/2″ shop vac type hoses can be coupled together. Some vacuum manufactures use proprietary connection on the vacuum end which may not be compatible with other hoses.

Our personal hose of choice is:
RIDGID 2-1/2 in. x 20 ft. Tug-A-Long Vacuum Hose for RIDGID Wet Dry Vacs
This tends to be the ideal length for us and does not require joining multiple, shorter sections together. It is also the best priced option.

Other options are:

Does the bee vac work with only deep hive bodies?
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.
How should I paint my bee vac?
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.
Do you have plans so that I can build my own bee vac?
We do not have plans available for our bee vac.
Doesn’t the junk still get sucked up between the frames?
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.

Purchasing Questions

Can I pay with a debit card?
Yes,  our card processing agent accepts credit and debit cards.
Can I place an order by phone?
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.
How soon will my order ship?
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.
How long will it take to arrive?

Estimated UPS Ground transit times.  Does not include order processing time before shipping.

UPSMap

Do you offer a military discount?
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.
How can I get tracking information for my order?
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.
Will you ship outisde of the U.S. & Canada?
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.
Will you ship via USPS for Alaska and Hawaii customers?
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.

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