Strange Comb in Super

Started by dp, June 14, 2010, 11:33:27 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Print
Go Down Pages1
User actions

dp

June 14, 2010, 11:33:27 AM
This is probably because I didn't keep my frames stuffed together, but I'm wondering...

Why do they build comb in the super perpendicular to the frame.  When I put them back, I made sure that the gap was on one end instead of in the middle.  Is this the proper way?  Also, there was comb being built off of the bottom of the frames.  I removed it, is this right?



Uploaded with ImageShack.us


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

JP

#1
June 14, 2010, 01:03:34 PM
They made the cross comb because there was too much space between the two frames. Personally, I would remove some of that cross comb so the frames can fit together properly in order to observe proper bee space.

Frames often move apart when transferring hives to different locations. Its very important to always pop the top cover and check the frames and move them back if they have separated.

I usually remove some of that comb on the bottom of the frames, unless I'm in a rush. Its not really that important though in the scheme of things. Main thing is to observe proper bee space.


...JP
My Youtube page is titled JPthebeeman with hundreds of educational & entertaining videos.

My website JPthebeeman.com http://jpthebeeman.com

hardwood

#2
June 14, 2010, 04:46:28 PM
If you had that much space between frames were you trying to use 9 frames in your super? That is a common practice, however you should use all 10 frames until they draw the comb and then remove one and equally space the remaining 9.

As JP said...remove that cross comb and push the frames tight. The bees will fix the rest.

Scott
"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Theodore Roosevelt 1907

asprince

#3
June 14, 2010, 07:17:51 PM
I agree, 99% of the time, too much space between the frames causes that problem. But, some hives are hell bent on building crazy comb regardless of how tight you push the frames together. I find it more on plastic frames. You can scrape it off and they will build it back the same way. Any one else see this?

Steve
Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resembalance to the first. - Ronald Reagan

hardwood

#4
June 14, 2010, 08:32:49 PM
Steve,
I'm seeing some really strange comb this year on some plastic frames! I switched over to all foundationless with the exception of using several black pierco frames in what I call my grafting hives. The black plastic makes it really easy to see eggs and young larvae in comparison to the natural comb.

I think my problem is due to my scraping last years comb off these frames before putting them back in and somehow I scraped the base coat of wax of as well. I'm thinking that if I rotate them out again and re paint the wax they might draw them the right way again? Gonna give it a shot anyway...

Scott
"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Theodore Roosevelt 1907

dp

#5
June 15, 2010, 10:58:51 AM
Quote from: hardwood on June 14, 2010, 08:32:49 PM

I think my problem is due to my scraping last years comb off these frames before putting them back in and somehow I scraped the base coat of wax of as well. I'm thinking that if I rotate them out again and re paint the wax they might draw them the right way again? Gonna give it a shot anyway...


Do a quick search.  I saw an experiment on here where someone painted stripes of wax on plastic foundation and the bees quickly built comb on those parts only.  I'm sure they would eventually hit the other area, but it was a very definitive line where there was wax painted on.

dp
Print
Go Up Pages1
User actions