Frame Queen Excluder

A “Frame Queen Excluder” is a device used in beekeeping to prevent the queen bee from laying eggs in specific areas of the hive, particularly in honey supers where beekeepers intend to harvest honey without brood. Here’s a brief description of the Frame Queen Excluder and how it works:

1. Design: A Frame Queen Excluder is typically a metal or plastic grid-like device that is sized to fit on top of the hive’s brood box or deep super. It consists of a series of parallel metal or plastic bars or wires spaced closely enough to prevent the larger queen bee from passing through while allowing worker bees to freely move between hive sections.
2. Function: The primary function of the Frame Queen Excluder is to confine the queen bee to the brood chamber, preventing her from ascending into the honey supers where beekeepers want to collect honey without brood. By keeping the queen bee below the excluder, beekeepers can ensure that the honey harvested from the supers is free from brood and larvae.
3. Placement: Frame Queen Excluders are typically placed between the brood chamber and honey supers in the hive’s vertical stack. Beekeepers insert the excluder above the brood chamber but below the honey supers. This placement allows worker bees to freely move between hive sections while restricting the queen’s access to the upper supers.
4. Maintenance: Frame Queen Excluders require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure that they remain free from debris, propolis buildup, and damage. Beekeepers should periodically check the excluders during hive inspections and clean or replace them as needed to maintain optimal functionality.
5. Variations: Frame Queen Excluders come in various sizes and designs to accommodate different hive configurations and beekeeping preferences. Some excluders are designed to fit specific hive models or frame sizes, while others are adjustable to accommodate different hive dimensions.

Overall, the Frame Queen Excluder is a valuable tool for beekeepers seeking to manage hive dynamics and optimize honey production by separating brood-rearing areas from honey storage areas within the hive. Proper use and maintenance of excluders can help beekeepers achieve their honey production goals while maintaining strong and healthy honeybee colonies.