The Triangle Escape Board is positioned with the triangle side facing downward, placed between the hive's brood boxes and honey supers during honey harvest. This setup ensures bees can exit the honey supers but cannot re-enter, effectively clearing the supers for harvest. All entrances above the board must be closed to prevent bees from bypassing the escape mechanism. For multiple hives, each should have its own escape board to streamline the harvesting process.
Key Points Explained:
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Orientation During Use
- The Triangle Escape Board must be placed with the triangle side down, directly facing the brood boxes. This orientation is critical as it allows bees to move downward through the escape holes but prevents them from returning upward into the honey supers.
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Placement Location
- It is positioned between the brood boxes and honey supers, acting as a one-way barrier. This ensures bees vacate the honey supers while keeping the brood nest undisturbed.
- For efficiency in apiaries with multiple hives, each hive should have its own escape board to enable simultaneous honey harvesting.
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Closed Entrances Above the Board
- All upper entrances (e.g., honey super openings) must be sealed to force bees to use the escape board as their only exit path. If left open, bees may bypass the board, defeating its purpose.
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Purpose in Harvesting
- The board is a non-chemical method to clear bees from honey supers, prioritizing bee safety and comb integrity. Its design leverages bees' natural tendency to move downward, making it a low-stress solution for both beekeepers and colonies.
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Practical Considerations
- Beekeepers should install the board 24–48 hours before harvest to allow sufficient time for bees to exit.
- Inspect the board post-use for blockages (e.g., propolis) that could hinder bee movement in future applications.
By following these steps, beekeepers can efficiently harvest honey while minimizing disruption to the hive—a balance of practicality and animal welfare. Have you considered how this tool reflects broader trends in sustainable beekeeping practices?
Summary Table:
| Key Aspect | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Orientation | Triangle side faces downward, toward brood boxes. |
| Placement | Between brood boxes and honey supers; one per hive for multi-hive apiaries. |
| Entrances | Seal all upper entrances to force bees to exit via the board. |
| Timing | Install 24–48 hours before harvest for full bee evacuation. |
| Maintenance | Check for propolis blockages after use. |
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