Beespace

Intro

Beespace is a term used in beekeeping that refers to the ideal amount of space that should be left between the frames of a beehive.

The concept of beespace was first introduced in the late 1800s by a beekeeper named Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth, who is considered the father of modern beekeeping.

The Langstroth hive is a popular type of beehive used in beekeeping that was designed to accommodate the principle of beespace.

Beespace 101

According to Langstroth, the ideal space between two frames of a beehive should be 3/8 inch or 9.5 mm.

This amount of space is optimal for the bees to move around comfortably and to allow them to build comb without being too cramped or too far apart.

Beespace is crucial in beekeeping because it helps to ensure that the bees have enough room to move around and that the hive is not too crowded, which can lead to disease and other problems.

If the space between the frames is too small, the bees will propolize or glue the frames together, making it difficult for beekeepers to inspect the hive and manage the colony.

On the other hand, if the space between the frames is too large, the bees may build comb in the extra space, leading to irregularly shaped combs and making it difficult for beekeepers to manage the hive.

Hive Design

The concept of beespace is also important in the design of beehives.

Most modern beehives are designed with standardized measurements that accommodate the principle of beespace, making it easier for beekeepers to manage their hives and ensuring the health and productivity of the colony.

Conclusion

In conclusion, beespace is a critical concept in beekeeping that refers to the ideal amount of space that should be left between the frames of a beehive.

It is essential for ensuring that the bees have enough room to move around comfortably and for allowing beekeepers to manage the hive effectively.

The principle of beespace is widely understood in modern beekeeping, though new keepers especially may not be familiar leading to messy results..