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Frame Making

Wooden frames with beeswax foundation are widely used in the UK and can be bought in self-assembly form.

Frame assembly

Frame assembly step 1
Remove the wedge from the top bar. Assemble the top bar, side bars and one bottom bar. Side bars have the groove on the inside.
Frame nailing step 2
Nail as shown – 2 nails for each side bar, and nail bottom bar up through side bar when nailing Hoffman frames.
Frame nailing step 3
Bend over long wire loops of foundation. Slide foundation along grooves onto top bar.
Frame nailing step 4
Nail the wedge onto the top bar, trapping the bent wires. Nail through each loop of wire at a slight angle. Fit and nail the second bottom bar.
Frame nailing step 5
When assembling Hoffman self-spacing frames, ensure the two ‘V’ shaped edges are in the same orientation as the diagram.

Hives can also be bought in self-assembly form.

 

National brood box or super assembly diagram

Hive Assembly Instructions

  1. Insert inner wall pieces into grooves in outer wall pieces.
  2. For supers with a frame spacer saw cut, the cut should be at the top and nearest to the outside (see diagram).
  3. Push locking bars into the rebates, bevelled bar at the bottom (see cross section).
  4. Adjust the inner walls to be flush with the rebates in the locking bars (see cross section).
  5. Nail through outer walls into inner walls as shown with 50mm (2”) nails.
  6. Nail locking bars to outer walls as shown with 50mm nails.
  7. Nail locking bars from inside using 35mm (1½) nails.
  8. Check the box is square (diagonals are equal).
  9. Attach the runners using brass escutcheon pins to give correct bee space.

A water proof glue can be used on joints if desired.

 

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2019 Beginners Course
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Recent update = Asian hornet page

 

News & Events

What’s that Buzz? Plants hear when bees are coming
New research has shown that plants can ‘hear’ sounds around them and flowers respond to the buzz of approaching bees by producing sweeter nectar. The research biologists from Tel Aviv University played recordings of flying bee sounds to evening primrose flowers and found that after a few minutes the sugar concentration in the flower’s nectar had increased by 20% on average when compared with flowers left in silence or submitted to higher pitched sounds.
The authors of the report say that, for the first time, they have shown plants can rapidly respond to pollinator sounds in an ecologically relevant way.
Producing sweeter nectar in response to the sounds of bees can help entice the insects to visit the flowers and increase the chances of its pollen being distributed.
Thanks to Ann P. for spotting this article in the Times.
Scientists sew trackers to Asian Hornets to find and destroy nests before they kill honeybees
Britain’s beekeepers are turning to technology to prevent aggressive Asian hornets destroying their colonies. In a first successful trial, experts at the University of Exeter attached tracking devices to the backs of the voracious hornets and then followed them back to their nests.
Asian hornet information
The June edition of the BBKA News has extensive information about the Asian hornet threat. In particular, pages 209 and 210 have full colour reproductions of the Asian hornet alert document issued by the Non Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) for you to cut out and use as your personal guide to identification of this invasive species.
EU agrees total ban on bee-harming pesticides
More information can be found at:          https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/27/eu-agrees-total-ban-on-bee-harming-pesticides?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other