Frame manipulation

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.

Why It Works

Bees use adjacent comb surfaces as a reference when drawing new wax. A straight, parallel reference frame signals the colony to continue building in the same plane. Without that reference, bees may attach comb diagonally across multiple frames, creating brace comb that locks frames together.

Tips

• Alternate new foundationless frames between fully drawn frames so bees have a guide on each side
• Keep frames pushed snugly together using spacers or self-spacing frame ears
• Check new frames within a few days of insertion and correct any cross-comb before it is reinforced
• Avoid leaving large open gaps when removing frames during inspection