Bee Space
Lexikon
Bee space refers to the gap between two comb surfaces, or between a comb and the hive wall, that honey bees neither build up with wax nor seal with propolis.
Bee space refers to the gap between two comb surfaces, or between a comb and the hive wall, that honey bees neither build up with wax nor seal with propolis. According to current knowledge, this value is about seven millimeters, with a tolerance of around two millimeters either way. If the gap is smaller than about five millimeters, the bees seal it with propolis; if it is larger than about nine millimeters, they close it with wax they build themselves.
The discovery of this principle by the American minister and beekeeper Lorenzo Langstroth around the middle of the 19th century is regarded as one of the most important foundations of modern beekeeping. Only the consistent observance of bee space in every direction within a hive makes it possible to build combs as movable frames that can be removed without damage. Without this gap, the bees would firmly join neighboring combs, or comb and wall, together.
For practical work at the colony this means: every self-built or purchased hive, every box assembly, and every feed trough must take bee space into account. The most common beginner mistake is too large a gap between the last comb and the hive wall, for instance when a narrower system is hung in a wider box. The bees then fill the gap with wild comb, which makes pulling individual frames harder and increases the risk of injuring the queen.