How To Use A Bee Escape Board

How to Use a Bee Escape Board: A Comprehensive Guide

Beekeeping is a rewarding hobby, but it also involves a degree of careful management. One tool that can significantly simplify the process of honey harvesting is the bee escape board. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using a bee escape board effectively and safely.

What is a Bee Escape Board?

A bee escape board is a specialized piece of equipment used in beekeeping to remove bees from honey supers before harvesting honey. Unlike other methods that require physically brushing or smoking bees away, a bee escape board allows the bees to exit the super on their own, leaving the honeycombs relatively bee-free. This results in a cleaner, less stressful honey harvest.

Types of Bee Escape Boards

There are several types of bee escape boards available, each with its own design:

1. One-Way Bee Escape Board:

This is the most common type. It features a series of small, one-way openings that allow bees to pass through in one direction only – from the super to the brood box, but not back up. This design encourages the bees to leave the super, but prevents them from returning.

2. Gravity Bee Escape Board:

This type uses gravity to encourage the bees to descend. It often incorporates a sloped surface or angled openings that guide the bees downwards.

3. Automatic Bee Escape Board:

This type generally requires no manual intervention. Once installed, it automatically facilitates the bees' exit from the super.

How to Use a Bee Escape Board: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using a bee escape board is relatively straightforward, but careful execution ensures a successful and stress-free honey harvest.

1. Preparation is Key:

• Timing is crucial: Install the bee escape board in the evening after the bees have largely returned to the hive. This minimizes the risk of losing bees.
• Check for sufficient honey: Ensure that the honey supers are ripe for harvesting (typically capped honeycombs).
• Inspect for queen excluder: Make sure a queen excluder is in place between the brood chamber and the honey supers. This prevents the queen from entering the supers and laying eggs in the honeycombs.

2. Installing the Bee Escape Board:

• Position correctly: Place the bee escape board between the brood chamber and the honey supers. The openings should face downwards towards the brood chamber.
• Secure the board: Make sure the bee escape board is securely positioned and won't shift or fall.

3. Waiting for the Bees to Exit:

• Allow sufficient time: Leave the bee escape board in place for 24-48 hours. This allows ample time for the bees to exit the honey supers.
• Check for residual bees: After 24-48 hours, gently check the honey supers to assess the number of remaining bees. If necessary, you can add another 12-24 hours.

4. Harvesting the Honey:

• Careful removal: Once the honey supers are largely bee-free, carefully remove them from the hive.
• Harvest honey: Proceed with your honey harvesting process.

Tips for Success with Bee Escape Boards:

• Cleanliness: Ensure the bee escape board is clean before use.
• Regular inspection: Check your escape board periodically to make sure it's working correctly.
• Weather conditions: Avoid using the bee escape board during extreme weather conditions.
• Hive strength: Bee escape boards work better in strong, healthy hives.

By following these steps, you can effectively and safely utilize a bee escape board to simplify your honey harvesting process. Remember, patience and careful observation are key to success. Happy beekeeping!