Queen excluder issues (clogging)
Queen excluders are hive management tools used to restrict the queen bee from laying eggs in honey supers while allowing worker bees to move freely. They are typically grids with openings small enough for worker bees but too small for the larger queen. However, queen excluders can become clogged with propolis and wax buildup over time. Clogging impedes worker bee movement between hive bodies, hindering honey storage in supers and potentially causing stress to the colony. Regular maintenance and proper usage are necessary to prevent queen excluder clogging.
- Regular cleaning of excluder4
Regular cleaning is the most effective solution for preventing queen excluder clogging. Beekeepers should clean queen excluders periodically, ideally during hive inspections or honey harvests. Cleaning involves removing accumulated propolis and beeswax from the excluder grid. This can be done using…
📌 diy4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Scraper or hive tool
- Proper excluder placement3
Ensuring proper placement and condition of the queen excluder is crucial for preventing clogging and ensuring its correct function. The excluder should be placed flat and level on top of the brood box, without gaps or warping. Gaps can allow queen passage into the supers, defeating the excluder's…
📌 none4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ None
- Consider alternative excluder types2
Different types of queen excluders vary in their propensity to clog. Metal excluders, particularly those with rounded wires, are often considered less prone to propolis buildup compared to plastic excluders or excluders with sharp edges. Experimenting with different excluder types can help…
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Different queen excluders