Burr comb and brace comb
Burr comb and brace comb are unwanted comb constructions that bees build in hives, often in spaces outside of the regular frames or between hive bodies. Burr comb is typically small pieces of comb built between frames or between frames and hive walls, while brace comb connects adjacent frames or hive bodies. These combs are often built in response to excessive bee space or hive irregularities. Burr and brace comb can make hive inspections difficult, hinder frame removal, and create a mess within the hive. Preventing and managing these combs is essential for efficient hive management and inspection.
- Regular hive inspections5
Scrape away burr comb and brace comb during every routine hive inspection before it becomes established. Catching irregular comb early keeps frames movable, preserves bee space, and prevents honey or brood from being laid in hard-to-manage locations.
📌 diy📌 best practice📌 free4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Hive tool, scrapings container
- Proper hive spacing4
Maintain correct bee space — the 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) gap bees need for free movement — throughout every hive body, super, and frame. When equipment preserves this spacing consistently, bees have no reason to fill gaps with burr comb or bridge frames with brace comb.
📌 best practice📌 diy📌 free4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Ruler or calipers, frame spacers (optional)
- Frame manipulation3
Guide straight comb construction by adjusting frame position and using drawn comb or foundation as a template. Placing a frame of well-drawn comb next to a foundationless or freshly built frame encourages bees to follow the established comb pattern rather than building cross-comb or brace comb.
📌 diy📌 best practice📌 free4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Hive tool, drawn comb frames