The queen excluder is an essential piece of equipment used in beekeeping to keep the queen bee out of certain sections of the hive. It consists of a grid of bars or wires with openings large enough for worker bees to pass through but too small for the queen to fit. This helps to confine the queen to the brood chamber, preventing her from laying eggs in the honey supers, where the beekeeper wants to collect clean, pure honey.
One of the critical aspects of a queen excluder is the size of the openings. If the openings are too large, the queen may be able to squeeze through, defeating the purpose of the excluder. On the other hand, if the openings are too small, they can impede the movement of worker bees, leading to decreased efficiency in the hive.
The most commonly used queen excluder has openings that measure approximately 4.3mm to 4.5mm in width. This size has been determined to be optimal for allowing worker bees to move freely while effectively excluding the queen. With this size of the opening, the worker bees can easily pass through, but the queen, with her larger body size, is unable to do so.
The material of the queen excluder also plays a role in determining the size of the openings. Metal excluders usually have wider openings compared to plastic excluders, as the latter material can support smaller gaps between the bars or wires.
It is crucial for beekeepers to regularly inspect and maintain their queen excluders to ensure that the openings remain at the correct size. Over time, the excluder may become clogged with propolis, wax, or debris, which can reduce the size of the openings and hinder bee movement. Cleaning and proper storage of queen excluders can help prolong their usability and effectiveness.
In conclusion, the size of the openings on a queen excluder is a crucial factor in its functionality. By ensuring that the openings are of the appropriate dimensions, beekeepers can effectively confine the queen bee to the brood chamber and maintain the integrity of their honey supers. It’s an important aspect to consider when managing a beehive and plays a significant role in ensuring the productivity and health of the colony.
