What are honey super frames and how many are needed per box? Essential Guide for Beekeepers

Honey super frames are essential components in beekeeping, designed to fit inside honey supers where bees build wax and store honey. The number of frames needed per box depends on the size of the super: medium supers require 10 medium frames, while shallow supers require 10 shallow frames. These frames provide structure for bees to create honeycomb, making honey extraction easier for beekeepers.

Key Points Explained:

1. Definition of Honey Super Frames

   • Honey super frames are rectangular structures that fit inside honey supers, serving as the foundation for bees to build wax honeycomb.
   • They are typically made of wood or plastic and come with a wax or plastic foundation to guide bees in constructing uniform honeycomb.
   • These frames are removable, allowing beekeepers to inspect the hive and harvest honey without damaging the comb.

2. Purpose of Honey Super Frames

   • They provide a structured space for bees to store honey, making the extraction process more efficient.
   • The frames help maintain hive organization, reducing the likelihood of cross-combing (where bees build irregular comb that connects frames).
   • Beekeepers can easily remove and replace frames for hive inspections, honey harvesting, or disease management.

3. Number of Frames per Box

   • Standard honey supers (both medium and shallow sizes) typically hold 10 frames per box.
     • Medium supers (6 5/8" depth) use 10 medium frames (honey comb frames).
     • Shallow supers (5 11/16" depth) use 10 shallow frames.
   • Some beekeepers opt for 8 or 9 frames per box to encourage thicker honeycomb and easier extraction, but 10 is the traditional and most common configuration.

4. Considerations for Beekeepers

   • Frame Material: Choose between wood (more natural but requires maintenance) or plastic (durable but may need coating to encourage bee acceptance).
   • Foundation Type: Bees may prefer wax foundations over plastic, but plastic is more durable.
   • Spacing: Proper spacing ensures bees build straight comb. Too much space can lead to burr comb (excess wax between frames).

5. Why Frame Count Matters

   • A full box of 10 frames maximizes honey storage capacity.
   • Fewer frames can reduce honey yield but may simplify extraction.
   • Consistency in frame count helps standardize equipment across hives.

By understanding these key points, beekeepers can optimize their hive setup for honey production and hive management. Whether you're a beginner or experienced beekeeper, selecting the right frames and configuration ensures a healthier, more productive colony.

Summary Table:

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