An escape board, commonly referred to as a clearer or clearing board, is a beekeeping tool designed to facilitate the removal of bees from honey supers before extraction. By placing it strategically between hive components, it allows bees to exit the super but blocks their re-entry, significantly reducing the bee population in the box. This method is efficient, bee-friendly, and minimizes disruption during honey harvesting or hive maintenance.
Key Points Explained:
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Primary Function
- The escape board is used to clear bees from honey supers before extraction or hive maintenance.
- It works by allowing bees to move downward (e.g., into the brood chamber) but prevents them from returning to the super.
- This reduces the number of bees in the super by approximately 80%, making honey extraction safer and easier.
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Placement and Usage
- Position the escape board below the honey super you intend to clear, with the escape mechanism (often one-way passages or cones) facing upward.
- It can also be used to clear bees from lid comb or lid honey.
- After 24–48 hours (longer in colder weather), the super can be removed with minimal bees remaining. Leaving it longer may allow bees to find a way back.
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Benefits
- Efficiency: Reduces manual labor and time compared to brushing or shaking bees off frames.
- Bee Safety: Minimizes stress and harm to bees during honey extraction.
- Convenience: Simplifies hive inspections or honey harvesting without requiring smoke or other disruptive methods.
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Alternative Names and Variations
- Also called a clearer board or clearing board, depending on regional terminology.
- Designs may vary, but most use one-way passages (e.g., plastic or metal bee escapes) to control bee movement.
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Practical Considerations
- Works best in warmer weather when bees are more active.
- Not 100% effective—some bees may remain, requiring additional methods like a bee brush for complete clearance.
- Ideal for beekeepers prioritizing low-stress hive management.
By integrating an escape board into hive management, beekeepers can streamline honey harvesting while supporting colony health—a small tool with a big impact on sustainable beekeeping.
Summary Table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | Clears bees from honey supers via one-way passages for easier extraction. |
| Placement | Below the honey super; requires 24–48 hours for effective clearance. |
| Key Benefits | Reduces labor, minimizes bee stress, and simplifies hive inspections. |
| Effectiveness | ~80% bee removal; residual bees may need brushing in cooler conditions. |
| Best For | Beekeepers prioritizing low-impact, sustainable hive management. |
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