The choice of the frames and foundation is crucial when starting the beekeeping venture. All types of beehives feature frames that bees draw or create comb. In Langstroth hives, the frames are rectangular in shape. In the top bar and Warre hives, the frames are simple bars placed along the top of the box. They are called top bars rather than frames. 

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What is the foundation in beekeeping?

Most of the frames used in Langstroth hive contain a foundation. This is a flat layer that fits into the rectangular shape of the frames. Worker bees build their hexagonal structures(combs) on this foundation. Frames in Langstroth hives come in different sizes depending on the box sizes. The boxes can either be deep, medium, or shallow. The frames can either be plastic or wooden frames. Most beekeepers prefer wooden frames, which are mainly made of wood. Plastic frames are lighter in weight and don’t rot though they tend to warp in high temperatures. The foundation is usually a plastic or wax layer pressed in the middle of the frame. It provides a surface for bees to start building comb. It helps the bees to keep their comb straight hence preventing cases of a cross comb. Plastic foundations are usually coated with wax to encourage the bees to build cells. 

Do You Need Foundation on bee frames?

Using foundation or not on the beehive frames depends entirely on the beekeeper. Some argue that going foundationless allows the bees to build comb with their preferred size of cells. A growing number of beekeepers are opting for this direction( natural beekeeping). A foundationless frame allows the super-skilled creatures to build what they want. However, without foundation, bees move between frames which makes it hard to remove frames during inspection. 

This can be challenging for a person who is just starting out in beekeeping. The huge chunks of naturally made comb may crash down once you remove it from the hive. This can be dishearting, considering the labor the bees have invested in creating it. This can also kill and harm the queen. Beekeepers can help the bees by including a starter strip on the foundation for bees to begin to draw comb. Frames with foundation make management simpler for beekeepers. The comb built on foundation is straight and stable. It is also easier to harvest and extract honey with a centrifuge. Foundationless beekeeping also results in less honey.

Can you wire our foundationless frames?

Combs on foundationless frames are very fragile. They usually fall out easily, especially during hot weather. They require to attach to at least three sides of the frames to be stable. Wired foundationless frames provide the bees with multiple attachment points as they build com making it more secure. The frames are also safer to manipulate when wired. 

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What are the benefits of foundationless beekeeping?

Foundationless beekeeping allows the bees to do as they would in nature. There is no worry about chemicals and pollutants being leaked into honey. Wax-coated foundations are associated with chemicals and other impurities. Beeswax yield is higher than on frames with foundation. You can also get a good harvest of comb honey. This is a specialty that can be sold for a premium price. At harvest time, you can slice off the comb and divide it into sections of comb honey.