How To Use Bee Escape Board

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

Beekeeping is a rewarding hobby, but managing your hives efficiently is key. One tool that can significantly simplify honey harvesting is the bee escape board. This guide will walk you through how to use a bee escape board effectively and safely, maximizing your honey yield while minimizing disruption to your colony.

What is a Bee Escape Board?

A bee escape board is a device placed between the honey supers and the brood chamber of a beehive. It allows bees to pass through in one direction but prevents them from returning. This clever design allows beekeepers to remove honey supers virtually free of bees, making honey harvesting much cleaner and less stressful for both you and your bees. Different types exist, from simple one-way valves to more complex designs with adjustable openings.

Types of Bee Escape Boards

Several types of bee escape boards exist, each with slight variations:

• One-Way Valve Escape Boards: These are the simplest and most common type. They feature a small, one-way valve that bees can pass through to leave the supers but can't re-enter.

• Gravity Escape Boards: These use gravity to guide bees downward. Bees can easily exit through the escape holes, but the downward slope prevents them from climbing back up.

• Push-Button or Manually Operated Escape Boards: These offer more control and allow you to open or close the escape mechanism as needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Bee Escape Board

Using a bee escape board requires careful planning and execution. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth process:

1. Timing is Everything

The best time to install a bee escape board is typically in the late afternoon or evening when most bees have returned to the hive for the night. This minimizes the number of bees that are outside when you install the board. Avoid installing it during periods of heavy honey flow, as bees may be more reluctant to leave the supers.

2. Installing the Bee Escape Board

Carefully place the bee escape board on top of the brood chamber, ensuring a snug fit. Then, place the honey supers on top of the escape board. Make sure the escape holes are facing the correct direction, allowing bees to move downwards toward the brood chamber.

3. Waiting for the Bees to Exit

Leave the bee escape board in place for at least 24 hours, and ideally, 36-48 hours. This will allow ample time for the bees to move down into the brood chamber. Check the supers periodically to assess the bee population.

4. Harvesting the Honey

Once you're confident that most of the bees have moved down, you can carefully remove the honey supers. Wear protective gear, including a bee suit, gloves, and veil, even though most bees should be absent. It's always best to be prepared for unexpected activity.

5. Removing the Bee Escape Board

After honey harvesting, remove the bee escape board and return the supers to the hive after extracting the honey.

Safety Precautions

• Always wear protective clothing when working with bees, regardless of the method used.
• Inspect the hive before and after installing the bee escape board.
• Be gentle when handling the hive components.
• Work calmly and methodically. Rapid movements can agitate bees.
• Have a plan in place in case of unexpected bee activity.

Conclusion

Using a bee escape board is a relatively simple yet effective technique that simplifies honey harvesting, making it a valuable tool for any beekeeper. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can successfully use a bee escape board to obtain honey without unnecessary stress or disruptions to your bee colonies. Remember patience and careful observation are key to success.