The correct distance between frames with honey in the hive ensures its normal functioning. In order for the bees to feel comfortable in the house and work at full capacity, they need to be placed at a certain distance. Let's consider at what distance the frame housings should be placed next to and near the walls of the house and what will happen if it is incorrect.
Sizing selection and basic standards
In Dadan and Rut hives the number of frames should be 10 or 12, but depending on the number of slats there may be a different number - 8, 12, 16, 24.Standard product sizes are 35 by 30 cm (Dadana) and 43.5 by 23 cm (Ruta).
What distance should be maintained between frames in the hive?
In modern hives, 7.5-8 mm is left between the side frame walls and the walls of the house, and 10 mm between the ceiling. The neighboring ones are placed at 11-12 mm (with brood), in the spring they are placed closer - at 8-9 mm, this is necessary for the bee colonies to actively develop and fill the honeycombs with honey.
The space under the honeycombs is left at 20 mm in summer; in winter, to ensure comfort for the bees, it is increased. The enlarged space is better ventilated, the likelihood of dampness is reduced, and insects overwinter better.
Distances were established through observations of naturally built nests. In beekeeping, they are used in any type of evidence - widespread ones, such as Dadana, or other types.
What happens if you don’t keep the required distance?
With less than necessary, there is a risk of injury to insects when removing the frames out. With more, bees may begin to build honeycombs not on the frames, but across them. They do this to shorten the passages and bring them to 10-12 mm. At the same time, the working individuals make the cells of the honeycomb thicker and deeper, and the queen does not lay eggs in such depressions. This leads to disruption of the normal life of the hive, a decrease in the number of future bees, and the death of some adult insects.
The distance between the frames in any bee housing should, on average, be such that a bee can freely pass into the space, but not too large. To place them correctly, they have separators on the sides during manufacturing. They also help to secure equipment in the correct position during transportation.It is not difficult to comply with the recommended installation standards if you use standard hives and frames, the sizes of which are adjusted to each other.
