A follower board is a specialized, removable panel placed inside a beehive, typically occupying the space of a half to a full frame. Also referred to as a division board, it is usually positioned against the side wall of the hive box to act as a mechanical spacer rather than a structural support.
The follower board serves a vital protective function during hive inspections. By providing a removable "void," it allows beekeepers to shift frames laterally before lifting them, effectively preventing the accidental crushing or "rolling" of the queen and worker bees.
The Operational Mechanics
The primary utility of the follower board is to solve the problem of lateral friction within a propolized (sticky) hive.
Creating Immediate Working Space
Beehives are often tightly packed, with bees gluing frames together with propolis.
When a beekeeper opens a hive, the first frame is notoriously difficult to remove without damaging comb or agitating the colony.
By removing the follower board first, you immediately create a substantial gap—roughly the width of one frame—inside the box.
Enabling Lateral Movement
Once the follower board is removed, the remaining frames are no longer packed tight against one another.
This allows the beekeeper to slide frames sideways into the open space created by the missing board.
Preventing Bee Mortality
The most critical advantage of this lateral movement is the protection of the colony's population.
When frames are pulled directly upward in a tight hive, the bees on the surface of the comb grind against the bees on the adjacent frame.
This friction causes "rolling," which can injure or kill worker bees and, most disastrously, the queen. The follower board eliminates this risk by ensuring frames are separated before they are lifted.
Understanding the Trade-offs
While the follower board improves hive management mechanics, it does introduce a specific compromise regarding hive capacity.
Reduced Internal Volume
The follower board occupies physical space that would otherwise be used for honeycomb.
By installing this board, you are effectively sacrificing the potential honey or brood production of one half to one full frame.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Deciding whether to utilize a follower board depends on your experience level and your priorities regarding ease of management versus maximum yield.
- If your primary focus is Colony Safety and Ease of Inspection: Incorporate a follower board to minimize bee mortality and make frame manipulation significantly less stressful.
- If your primary focus is Maximum Honey Production: You may choose to omit the board to utilize every available inch of the hive body for nectar storage and brood rearing.
The follower board is a simple tool that trades a fraction of potential yield for a massive increase in management efficiency and colony safety.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Purpose | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Removable mechanical spacer | Creates immediate working gap |
| Lateral Movement | Allows frames to slide sideways | Prevents crushing or 'rolling' bees |
| Queen Safety | Eliminates vertical friction | Protects the queen during inspections |
| Yield Impact | Occupies space of ~0.5-1 frame | Trades small volume for high efficiency |
| Propolis Management | Breaks the sticky seal | Easier first-frame removal |
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