Queen Excluder
Designed to restrict the queen bee’s movement within the hive while allowing worker bees to pass through freely.
A queen excluder is a crucial beekeeping tool designed to restrict the queen bee’s movement within the hive while allowing worker bees to pass through freely. It prevents the queen from laying eggs in the honey supers, ensuring clean and high-quality honey production.
Components of a Queen Excluder
- Frame: Typically made of plastic, metal, or wood, providing a sturdy structure.
- Grid Openings: Precisely spaced gaps (about 4.2 – 4.4 mm) that allow worker bees to pass through but block the larger queen.
Application Guidelines
Before Installation:
- Ensure the queen is in the lower brood chamber before placing the excluder.
- Inspect the hive frames to confirm the proper positioning of honey and brood.
How to Use a Queen Excluder:
Positioning:
- Place the queen excluder between the brood box and honey supers.
Bee Movement:
- Worker bees can pass through the grid to store nectar and honey in the upper frames.
- The queen remains below, preventing egg-laying in the honey storage area.
Post-Installation Monitoring:
- Check regularly to ensure the bees are actively using the honey supers.
- If bees hesitate to pass through, slightly lift the excluder for a few days to help them adjust.
Safety Precautions
- Ensure proper fit to avoid gaps that could let the queen through.
- Do not forcefully bend plastic or metal grids to prevent breakage.
- Keep the excluder clean and free of propolis buildup to maintain effectiveness.
Benefits of a Queen Excluder
- Prevents Brood in Honey Supers – Ensures clean honey extraction.
- Improves Hive Organization – Keeps brood and honey storage separate.
- Enhances Honey Quality – Reduces contamination from eggs and larvae.
- Easy to Install & Use – Requires minimal effort to implement in any hive.
- Durable & Long-Lasting – Made from sturdy, reusable materials.
Care & Storage Instructions
- Clean regularly to remove wax, propolis, and debris.
- Store in a dry place to prevent damage and warping.
- Avoid exposing plastic excluders to direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent brittleness.
Get your Queen Excluder today from Rafiki Pest Control, your trusted supplier of high-quality beekeeping equipment. Contact Rafiki Pest Control now for expert advice and the best hive management tools.
