The frame is the structure that holds the comb and makes it movable. The whole of modern beekeeping rests on this simple part: without movable comb, inspection, harvesting and disease control are not possible.

Foundation

Foundation is the starting surface given to the bees to draw comb on. The hexagonal pattern on it makes them build straight and in the right place.

What it gains:

• The comb stays straight and within the frame; frames remain interchangeable
• The bees spend less energy on wax production
• Cell size can be controlled and the proportion of drone comb limited

It must be taut and straight

This is the most neglected detail. Foundation fitted loose or crooked leads to crooked comb.

Crooked comb ends the interchangeability of frames — that is, it destroys the entire gain of the system. Wiring and fixing are therefore not a detail but the heart of the matter.

Wiring

Wires stretched across the frame support the comb, and above all prevent full honey frames breaking during extraction.

• The wire must be taut; a slack wire does nothing
• Metal eyelets stop the wire cutting into the timber
• The wire is embedded into the foundation; heated devices do this

The wax residue problem

The origin of the foundation matters. Fat-soluble substances accumulate in wax; some acaricides used in hives can remain for years.

Commercial foundation is of mixed origin and its traceability is limited. Many beekeepers therefore prefer to have foundation made from their own cappings wax.

A closed wax cycle is the soundest way of limiting residue build-up.

Comb renewal

Old comb accumulates three things: disease agents, chemical residues and cocoons. The cells narrow over time.

Renewing a fixed proportion of the brood combs each year is common practice. The comb removed becomes a wax source, and the cycle closes.

Dark brood combs are taken out first; lighter super combs can be used longer.

The drone frame

A frame given without foundation. The bees draw it freely and generally build drone comb.

When it is capped it is cut out and removed. Because Varroa prefers drone brood, this is a practical way of reducing mite numbers without chemicals.

It must be cut in time; if it is left, the mites emerge and the method backfires.

Storage

• Drawn comb is valuable and must be protected
• Against wax moth, keep it cold or store it spaced apart in a light, airy place
• Do not keep dark brood combs for long periods