A follower board acts as a removable spacer within a standardized beehive, specifically designed to replace the tenth frame. Its primary function is to maintain proper frame spacing during normal hive operation while allowing the beekeeper to create immediate working room during inspections. By removing this board first, you gain the necessary leverage to manipulate the remaining frames without damaging the colony.
The follower board solves the common problem of "frame lock" in a full hive; it trades a small amount of storage capacity for significantly safer, less intrusive colony management.
The Mechanics of Hive Management
Replacing the Tenth Frame
In a standard ten-frame setup, the components are often packed tightly to ensure the bees build straight comb. A follower board is inserted in place of the tenth structural frame.
It sits against the side of the hive box, mimicking the presence of a frame to keep the internal geometry correct. This prevents the bees from building "burr comb" in empty voids, which would otherwise complicate hive maintenance.
Creating Operational Space
When you open a hive to inspect the colony, the first frame is notoriously difficult to remove without friction. Because the follower board is usually thinner or less adhered by propolis than a honeycomb frame, it pulls out easily.
Once the follower board is removed, you instantly gain a significant gap within the hive body. This empty space allows you to slide the remaining frames laterally before lifting them out.
Safety and Preservation
Preventing Bee Injury
The most critical benefit of the operational space provided by the follower board is the protection of the bees. When frames are pulled tightly against one another, bees—including the queen—can be accidentally rolled or crushed between the combs.
By creating a gap first, you eliminate the friction that causes these accidents. This results in a calmer colony and preserves the health of the hive population.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Reduced Hive Capacity
The primary downside to using a follower board is a reduction in total volume. By removing the tenth frame, you are effectively reducing the potential area for brood rearing or honey storage by 10%.
Additional Equipment Management
A follower board is an extra piece of equipment that must be purchased or built and maintained. Unlike a standard frame, it does not produce resources (honey or wax), making it strictly a management tool rather than a production asset.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To determine if a follower board is right for your apiary, consider your management priorities:
- If your primary focus is efficient and safe inspections: Incorporate a follower board to speed up frame manipulation and significantly lower the risk of killing bees or the queen.
- If your primary focus is maximum yield: Stick to a standard ten-frame setup to utilize every inch of the hive for honey production and brood population growth.
The follower board is a tool of convenience and safety, prioritizing the ease of the beekeeper and the safety of the queen over maximum honey production.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Function & Purpose | Benefit to Beekeeper |
|---|---|---|
| Space Creation | Replaces the 10th frame to act as a removable spacer | Eliminates 'frame lock' and provides lateral room |
| Colony Safety | Prevents friction between frames during removal | Reduces risk of crushing bees or the queen |
| Comb Control | Maintains internal hive geometry | Prevents the construction of messy burr comb |
| Ease of Use | Thinner and less adhered by propolis than standard frames | Quick and easy first-step removal during inspection |
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References
- G. Christopher Cutler, Larry W. Brewer. A large-scale field study examining effects of exposure to clothianidin seed-treated canola on honey bee colony health, development, and overwintering success. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.652
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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