Adapting a standard bee escape for a Warre hive requires fabricating a custom mounting interface that matches the specific geometry of your hive boxes. While the underlying mechanism of the escape remains unchanged from Langstroth applications, you must create a barrier—either using a canvas separator or a rigid board—that forces bees to travel through the device.
The success of a Warre bee escape relies on a custom mounting board, typically a 14-inch by 14-inch sheet with a 2-inch central hole, to properly funnel bees out of the honey super.
Fabrication Methods
The Permanent Rigid Board
For a durable, long-term solution, you should construct a dedicated mounting board.
Start with a solid sheet of wood or similar rigid material cut to 14 inches by 14 inches. This matches the standard footprint of a Warre hive box.
Drill a 2-inch hole directly in the center of this board. This opening serves as the mounting point for the bee escape mechanism, ensuring bees have a clear path down out of the super.
The Temporary Canvas Solution
If you need an immediate solution without woodworking tools, you can utilize a separator canvas.
Cut a 'C' shaped flap into the center of the canvas material.
Lay the canvas over the bee escape so that the flap accommodates the device, allowing passage while blocking the rest of the box area.
Operational Principles
Identical Functionality to Langstroth
It is important to understand that the mechanism of action is identical to that used in Langstroth hives.
The physics of the one-way valve do not change based on hive style.
The only adaptation required is structural: creating a physical interface that fits the Warre dimensions to prevent bees from bypassing the escape.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Durability vs. Speed
The canvas method is arguably the fastest way to clear a super, requiring only a knife and material you likely already have.
However, a canvas flap is less rigid and may not provide as perfect a seal as a wooden board.
Seal Integrity
A rigid wooden board guarantees that the bee escape remains flat and stable.
If the mounting surface flexes or gaps appear (as might happen with a loose canvas), bees may find their way back into the super, defeating the purpose of the escape.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To choose the best adaptation method for your apiary, consider your resources and frequency of harvest:
- If your primary focus is durability and reliability: Construct the 14x14 wooden board with a 2-inch hole to ensure a perfect seal every time.
- If your primary focus is speed or emergency use: Utilize the 'C' flap canvas method to clear a super without waiting to fabricate new equipment.
The goal is simply to channel traffic effectively; the bees will follow the path of least resistance regardless of the material used.
Summary Table:
| Method | Material Required | Dimensions/Setup | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigid Board | Wood/Solid sheet | 14" x 14" with 2" center hole | Highly durable, perfect seal | Requires woodworking tools |
| Canvas Solution | Separator canvas | 'C' shaped flap cutout | Fast setup, no tools needed | Less rigid, potential for gaps |
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