A porter bee escape board, also commonly referred to as a super clearer, is a hive management device designed to separate bees from their honey stores prior to harvesting. It serves as a physical barrier placed between the honey super and the brood chamber, utilizing a one-way valve system that allows bees to exit the honey box but prevents them from returning.
The porter bee escape board is the most effective mechanical method for clearing bees from honey supers. It allows you to remove honey boxes for extraction without the chaos of brushing bees off frames or using chemical repellents.
The Mechanism of Action
The One-Way Passage
The core function of this device relies on a specific insert, such as a spring bee escape or a wire gauze cone.
This mechanism acts as a turnstile. Bees can push through the flexible springs or cone to leave the area, but the design prevents them from pushing back through in the opposite direction.
Self-Closing Exits
The primary reference highlights that these devices feature a "self-closing exit."
Once a bee passes through the escape, the springs or wires return to their original position. This ensures the barrier remains secure, slowly draining the population from the upper box without allowing re-entry.
Strategic Placement
Separation of Hive Bodies
To function correctly, the board is placed specifically between the honey super (the top box containing harvestable honey) and the brood chamber (the lower box containing the queen and developing bees).
This placement takes advantage of the bees' natural instinct to move down toward the queen and the warmth of the cluster, usually overnight.
Preparing for Extraction
The ultimate goal of the super clearer is to empty the honey super completely.
By isolating the bees in the lower chamber, the beekeeper can simply lift off the top boxes the following day. This results in honey frames that are free of bees, making the extraction process cleaner and safer.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Passive vs. Active Clearing
Unlike brushing frames or using blowers, this is a passive system.
It requires time to work effectively. You cannot place the board and immediately harvest; the bees need time to naturally filter out of the self-closing exits.
Mechanical Maintenance
Because the system relies on physical springs or cones, it is susceptible to mechanical blockage.
If the springs become bent or stuck open, bees will leak back into the super. Conversely, if they are blocked by debris or propolis (bee glue), bees may be trapped inside the super unable to escape.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
- If your primary focus is a chemical-free harvest: Rely on the porter bee escape, as it uses strictly mechanical separation to clear the hive without introducing fumes.
- If your primary focus is minimizing colony disturbance: Use this board to avoid the agitation caused by shaking or brushing bees off individual frames.
By installing a super clearer, you ensure that when you reach for your honey, you are lifting boxes of comb rather than boxes of bees.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Porter Bee Escape Board (Super Clearer) |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | Mechanical separation of bees from honey supers |
| Mechanism | One-way valve (springs or wire gauze cones) |
| Placement | Between the honey super and the brood chamber |
| Operation Time | Typically requires 24 hours (overnight) |
| Key Benefit | Chemical-free and reduces colony agitation |
| Maintenance | Check for propolis blockage or spring alignment |
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