With all the reminders to keep your frames pushed tightly together within the hive, you might be wondering why we’re selling a frame spacing tool designed to deliberately keep them separated. These devices are intended to allow quick, consistent spacing of fewer frames than normal in honey supers — for example, nine frames in a 10 frame box or seven frames in an 8 frame. Learn when and why extra space between frames may be necessary inside your supers, and how to ensure your frames are properly spaced in a bee hive.
How do you space frames in a bee hive?
Properly spaced frames are necessary for colony health and to make it easier to work in your hives. While bees are drawing foundation for the first year, you should provide 10 frames for a 10 frame hive or 8 frames for an 8 frame box. Generally, you should ensure no more than a space of ¼ to â…œ of an inch (6 to 9 mm) between your frames and from other parts of the hive.
The end bars of frames are sized to keep the foundations the correct distance apart, ensuring bees draw a single comb within the “footprint” of the frame. If your frames are too far apart, bees may fill the gaps by building extra comb and filling empty space with propolis. If this happens, you may run into problems when removing or inspecting frames, as they will be stuck together and you may end up “rolling” (pinching) your bees.
When and why add extra space between frames?
Once the frames have been drawn out, reducing the number of frames — for example, using 9 frames in a 10 frame box, or 7 frames in an 8 frame box — and adding a bit of space between those that remain may entice the bees to add extra depth to the existing comb, rather than building brand new comb. This can make uncapping for extraction easier. Fat frames — where the comb protrudes somewhat beyond the edge of the frame itself — allow you to easily slice off a thin layer of capping wax at harvest time. Additionally, having a little more space between your frames can make it easier to pull, adjust, and inspect built-out frames.
But this spacing should be used only after the frames have been drawn out. At this time, some beekeepers choose to expand the space between their frames. Adjusting this spacing is best done during spring and summer, rather than fall or winter, to ensure the bees don’t have to work too hard to build out the foundation after the space has been added.
Note: Do not use on undrawn frames, and do not use in the brood nest. Otherwise, you’ll be spending a lot of time fixing problems, and maybe even need to tie-in some errant comb that the bees have drawn in the wrong place.
How do you use bee frame spacers?
Frame spacers make it easier to get consistent frame spacing in moments. Can you do your own spacing by hand and by eye? Sure! But is using frame spacers faster? Yes!
To use bee frame spacers, follow these easy instructions:
- First, while wearing safety clothing, open your hive and give it a few puffs of smoke to calm the bees.
- Gently remove one frame from the hive, and set it aside.
- Slide the frame spacing tool into the outside edge, and use your hive tool to carefully shift the frames into place, using the spacer as a guide, until the spacing is neat and tidy. Remove the spacer from this side.
- Repeat the spacing process by using the frame spacer on the opposite side of the hive, as well.
- Ensure sure the frames are grouped in the center of the hive, then close the hive up.
After the bees have vacated the removed frame, you may choose to extract it or save it for future supplemental feeding as required. Ensure you store it properly to prevent infestation from wax moths and small hive beetles. You can freeze the frame to keep these pests at bay.
This method of providing extra space between frames is a matter of personal preference and is by no means required, but it is a popular option amongst beekeepers. For more beekeeping information and tips, explore our Beekeeper’s Guide.
