Foundations
Foundations
Beekeepers can provide a center panel for bees by using a foundation. Foundations are imprinted with hexagonal-patterned cell "floors," known as comb guides.
Inserting a comb foundation into a frame.
Comb Guides
Comb guides, designed to stimulate comb production in an orderly fashion, are coated with a thin layer of wax to encourage bees to build on it. Comb guides are designed to limit drone cell production by embossing the frame with pre-started worker-sized cells.
Since colonies need to produce some drones, they usually build the larger drone cells around the edges of the frames where the comb guides stop.
Honey bees do an amazing job of producing precise, uniform cells for brood development and honey storage.
Wax vs. Plastic Foundations
Beekeepers can purchase foundations made entirely of wax, or made of plastic with a wax coating. People have different opinions concerning which type is best, and conditions will vary depending on where you live, so try a variety of techniques to see what works best for you. Keep in mind that what works best for another beekeeper may not work best for you!
Conditions will vary depending on where you live, so try a variety of techniques to see what works best for you.
Wax Foundations
An all-wax foundation is less stiff and requires wiring to support the foundation and prevent it from buckling under its own weight. The advantage of a wax foundation is that it can be cut, sectioned, eaten, or thrown into a strainer when it's time to harvest honey. However, if improperly wired, it can "blow out" when put into a mechanical extractor.
Plastic Foundations
The advantages of a plastic foundation are that it is sturdy and easy to install.
Lesson List
- The Langstroth Hive Duration:
- Outer Telescoping Cover Duration:
- Inner Cover Duration:
- Section Comb Super Duration:
- Shallow-Depth Super Duration:
- Medium-Depth Super Duration:
- Queen Excluder Duration:
- Full-Depth Hive Body Duration:
- Bottom Board Duration:
- 9. Hive Stand Duration:
- 2.3 Comb Foundations Duration:
- Foundations Duration:
- Top-bar Hives Duration:
- 2.4 Hive Frames & Bee Space Duration:
- What Is Bee Space? Duration:
- 2.5 Clothing & Tools Duration:
- Tools Duration:
- 2.6 Check Your Learning Duration:
Teachers Info
Bee doctor
- Website: http://www.example.com
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