Getting bees to draw out foundation is a common challenge for beekeepers, especially beginners. The process involves understanding the bees' natural behavior and providing the right conditions to encourage wax production and comb building. Key factors include the quality of the honey flow, the type of foundation used, and additional stimuli like beeswax coating or supplemental feeding. Addressing these factors can significantly improve the likelihood of bees drawing out the foundation efficiently.

Key Points Explained:

1. Importance of Honey Flow:

   • The quality of the honey flow is the most critical factor in encouraging bees to draw out foundation. During a strong honey flow, bees have access to abundant nectar, which they convert into wax. This wax is then used to build honeycomb.
   • If the honey flow is weak or insufficient, bees may struggle to produce enough wax. In such cases, beekeepers can supplement natural nectar with a generous supply of syrup to boost wax production.

2. Coating Foundation with Beeswax:

   • For plastic foundation, coating it with a thin layer of melted beeswax can stimulate bees to draw out the comb. Bees are naturally attracted to beeswax, and this coating mimics the natural comb-building process.
   • Another method is to rub burr comb on the foundation. Burr comb contains natural wax and pheromones that can attract bees and encourage them to build comb in those areas.

3. Strategic Placement of Frames:

   • Introducing plastic frames one at a time between two frames of wet brood or in a whole box with one drawn bait comb can encourage bees to draw out the foundation. Wet brood frames have freshly capped brood, which attracts nurse bees that are also responsible for wax production.
   • Avoid mixing wax frames with undrawn plastic frames, as bees may prefer the wax frames and ignore the plastic ones.

4. Understanding Natural Comb Building:

   • Bees build natural comb through a process called festooning, where they form a 'bee-chain' by linking legs and secreting wax flakes from glands on their abdomens. This wax is passed up the chain and molded into place to create a two-sided comb.
   • Foundationless frames allow bees to follow this natural behavior, but they require careful management to ensure the comb is built straight and strong.

5. Addressing Common Struggles for New Beekeepers:

   • New beekeepers often face challenges in getting bees to draw out foundation quickly enough for hive development. This is a common issue because bees cannot communicate their needs directly to the beekeeper.
   • Investigating and addressing underlying issues, such as the quality of the honey flow, the type of foundation, and the presence of stimuli like beeswax, can help overcome these challenges.

By focusing on these key points, beekeepers can create an environment that encourages bees to draw out foundation efficiently, leading to a well-developed and productive hive.

Summary Table:

Need help getting your bees to draw out foundation? Contact our experts today for personalized advice!