What is burr comb used for?
What is burr comb used for?
As I went over in my previous post, burr comb is the term for any comb your bees make that you don’t want. Ideally (and usually) worker bees build out comb in an arch from the top of the bar on down to something resembling a point. This is good because it’s an efficient use of space that still lets you inspect bars.
Is burr comb edible?
This question is often asked of me during beekeeping demonstrations. But indeed- wax comb is edible and it is a delightful experience.
Should I remove burr comb?
When you find burr comb it’s generally recommended that you remove it. Most hive tools have a beveled end for scraping which is ideal for lifting off the unwanted comb. When you remove it, do so gently. If there are bees on the surface they will soon get out of the way.
What is burr comb made of?
In beekeeping, in a Langstroth hive, burr comb, also known as brace comb and bridge comb, are portions of honeycomb built by the bees in other places than in the intended place in the frames.
Should you remove burr comb?
What is brace comb?
Definition of brace comb : honeycomb built in small pieces by bees to bridge spaces.
Do bees reuse old wax?
Re: Will bees recycle wax? Bees will, on a small scale, move and reuse wax. They will not take wax and make comb in any appreciable amount.
Is black honeycomb safe to eat?
The same honeycomb cells are used to house baby bees again and again, and a build-up of pollen, bee spit, and other debris is what causes the bee frames to blacken. Black or dark-colored brood honeycomb is safe to eat and even contains additional nutrients.
What is burr comb and where is it found?
Burr comb can be pretty much anywhere in the hive that the requisite space exists and bees will be very focused on creating it, perhaps where you don’t expect it! The definition of burr comb doesn’t include how it is used. It might contain honey or pollen stores. In some instances it can also include brood.
What happens when you remove burr comb?
When frames are removed for inspection, burr comb can result in quite a mess, as adjacent comb is dislodged and may fall. Burr comb can be pretty much anywhere in the hive that the requisite space exists and bees will be very focused on creating it, perhaps where you don’t expect it!
Why is burr comb a problem for the beekeeper?
It is a problem for the beekeeper because it glues things together and makes removing the frames very difficult. Many beekeepers make a habit of scraping away any burr comb when they see it and, if possible, correct the situation that gave the bees the extra space. How to reduce burr comb
What is bridge comb in beekeeping?
2 min read Burr comb, bridge comb, and brace comb are all terms used to describe comb that is built in places that are reasonable to the bees but annoying to the beekeeper. Wherever honey bees find excess space in the hive—a space greater than about 3/8” (1 cm) wide—they will attempt to build comb.
