No, bees are not forced to live entirely on plastic combs in a Flow Hive. It is a common misconception that the entire structure utilizes plastic components. The proprietary plastic Flow Frames are utilized exclusively in the honey super, which is the upper section of the hive dedicated to honey storage and harvesting.
The Flow Hive utilizes a hybrid approach: plastic technology is restricted to the harvesting zone, while the brood box—the heart of the colony—can be managed using traditional methods that encourage natural wax building.
The Anatomy of the Hive
To understand why the bees are not "living" on plastic, it is essential to distinguish between the two distinct sections of the hive.
The Honey Super
This is the upper level of the hive structure.
This is the only area where the plastic Flow Frames are located.
The primary purpose of this section is honey storage for harvesting. The bees store excess nectar here, but they do not raise their young in these frames.
The Brood Box
This is the lower level of the hive, effectively the colony's "living room."
This is where the queen lays eggs and the colony raises its larvae (the brood).
Crucially, this section does not require Flow Frames. It uses standard frames, identical to those found in traditional Langstroth hives.
Enabling Natural Wax
Because the brood box utilizes standard frames, beekeepers have significant flexibility.
You can manage the brood box with foundationless frames.
This allows the bees to draw out their own natural wax comb according to their needs, rather than being forced to build onto a plastic foundation.
Understanding the Trade-offs
While the Flow Hive offers convenience, understanding the interaction between the two zones is critical for successful management.
The Hybrid Compromise
The system relies on a trade-off between harvesting ease and natural construction.
The plastic frames in the super are rigid mechanisms designed to split open for harvesting. They cannot be replaced with natural wax without losing the "Flow" functionality.
Management Consistency
Using natural methods in the brood box requires different management than the super.
While the honey super simplifies harvesting, the brood box still requires regular inspections.
Beekeepers must physically open the brood box to check for disease, swarm control, and queen health, regardless of the technology used in the upper super.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When setting up a hive, your configuration should reflect your philosophy on bee management.
- If your primary focus is harvesting convenience: Utilize the Flow Frames in the super to automate extraction without disturbing the colony.
- If your primary focus is natural bee behavior: Ensure you utilize foundationless frames in the brood box to allow the colony to build natural wax comb where the queen lays.
The Flow Hive is designed to isolate the plastic technology to the harvest zone, leaving the biological center of the colony free for natural management.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Honey Super (Flow Frames) | Brood Box (Standard Frames) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Material | Food-grade Plastic | Wood with Wax or Foundationless |
| Function | Honey Storage & Harvesting | Egg Laying & Larvae Rearing |
| Bee Activity | Storing & Capping Nectar | Drawing Natural Wax & Brood Care |
| Harvest Method | Automated "Flow" Extraction | Not Harvested (Reserved for Bees) |
| Management | Low Intervention | Regular Manual Inspections |
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