During the honey harvest, one hive experienced an issue where feral comb (excess wax) built up between the brood boxes and honey supers. This buildup blocked the exit holes in the maze of the escape board, preventing worker bees from leaving the honey supers. As a result, bees were trapped inside, complicating the harvest process. Proper hive maintenance, including regular comb inspection and the use of tools like a hive brush, could help prevent such blockages in the future.
Key Points Explained:
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Feral Comb Buildup
- Excess wax formed between the brood boxes (where bees raise young) and honey supers (where honey is stored).
- This irregular comb growth, known as "feral comb," is often caused by insufficient bee space or poor hive management.
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Blocked Exit Holes in the Maze
- The escape board’s maze, designed to let bees exit but not re-enter, became clogged with wax.
- Blockages prevented worker bees from vacating the honey supers, leaving them trapped during harvest.
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Impact on Harvest Efficiency
- Trapped bees delay harvesting, as supers cannot be safely removed until bees are cleared.
- Risk of harming bees or damaging comb during manual removal.
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Preventive Measures
- Regular hive inspections to monitor comb growth and spacing.
- Use of a hive brush to gently clear excess wax from critical pathways.
- Proper escape board maintenance to ensure exit holes remain unobstructed.
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Broader Best Practices
- Assign one escape board per hive to synchronize harvesting across multiple colonies.
- Address feral comb promptly to maintain hive health and streamline future harvests.
This issue underscores how small oversights in hive upkeep can disrupt workflows—highlighting the quiet importance of tools and routines in beekeeping.
Summary Table:
| Issue | Cause | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feral comb buildup | Excess wax between brood boxes & supers | Blocks exit holes, traps bees | Regular inspections, hive brush use |
| Blocked escape board maze | Poor spacing or irregular comb | Delays harvest, risks bee harm | Clear pathways, maintain escape board |
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