Ethan Clarke
A queen excluder is a device used to restrict the queen bee to the brood nest of the hive, preventing her from laying eggs in honey supers. They are available in metal, plastic, and wood frame types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. This article will specifically discuss the plastic queen excluder, including its benefits, drawbacks, and proper maintenance techniques, to help beekeepers decide if it aligns with their beekeeping style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Affordability | Plastic queen excluders are more affordable than metal excluders |
| Customization | Plastic excluders can be cut to custom sizes |
| Ease of cleaning | Plastic excluders are harder to clean than metal excluders; wax can be removed by freezing and bending |
| Durability | Plastic excluders have a shorter lifespan than metal excluders; they may break over time |
| Environmental impact | Plastic is not environmentally sound |
| Safety | Poorly manufactured plastic excluders may cut bees and their wings; punched plastic may have sharp edges that damage bees' wings |
| Effectiveness | Plastic excluders may become warped over time, reducing effectiveness; they may slow down bees' movement |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic excluders are more affordable than metal ones
When it comes to queen excluders, beekeepers have various options, including metal, plastic, wood-bound metal, and punched zinc. While metal excluders are known for their durability and longevity, plastic excluders offer a more affordable alternative. This makes them an attractive option, especially for those starting with beekeeping or those looking for a more economical choice.
Plastic queen excluders are less expensive than metal ones, making them a cost-effective option for beekeepers. This affordability is particularly advantageous when multiple excluders are required for different hives or when purchasing other necessary equipment for beekeeping. The lower price point of plastic excluders can help beekeepers manage their expenses effectively.
In addition to their affordability, plastic excluders offer other benefits that contribute to their popularity among beekeepers. One notable advantage is their ease of cleaning. Wax removal from plastic excluders can be achieved by placing them in a freezer overnight and then gently bending or twisting them to pop off the wax. This method is significantly less time-consuming and cumbersome than melting wax with an old iron or using a wax melter, which are common practices with metal excluders.
Furthermore, plastic excluders are generally lighter and easier to handle than their metal counterparts. This lightweight property makes them more convenient to work with, especially when managing multiple hives or performing routine inspections. The ease of handling can improve the overall efficiency of beekeeping tasks, making plastic excluders a preferred choice for some beekeepers.
While plastic excluders offer advantages in terms of affordability, ease of cleaning, and weight, it is important to consider their potential drawbacks. Some beekeepers have expressed concerns about the durability of plastic excluders, noting that they may break over time. Additionally, there have been mixed opinions on the sharpness of plastic excluders, with some claiming that poorly manufactured plastic excluders can cut bees' wings. Therefore, while plastic excluders provide an affordable option, it is crucial to carefully evaluate their quality and potential impact on bee health.
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They can be cut to custom sizes
Plastic queen excluders are a popular choice for beekeepers due to their affordability. They are also versatile and can be cut to custom sizes, making them a good option for those who want to experiment with different configurations in their hives.
The ability to customise the size of plastic queen excluders is a significant advantage. Beekeepers can tailor the excluder to their specific needs and the unique characteristics of their hives. This customisability allows for a more precise fit, ensuring that the queen bee is effectively restricted to the desired area while still allowing worker bees to move freely.
When cutting a plastic queen excluder to a custom size, it is important to consider the dimensions of the gaps in the excluder. These gaps typically range from 4.1 to 4.4 millimetres, ensuring that worker bees can fit through while the queen bee cannot. By maintaining these gap sizes, beekeepers can ensure the continued effectiveness of the excluder even after modifying its size.
Additionally, customising the size of a plastic queen excluder can help address specific challenges or goals within a hive. For example, a smaller excluder may be desired to provide less space for hive beetles to hide, thereby reducing their potential impact on the colony. Customisation allows beekeepers to adapt their equipment to the ever-changing dynamics of their hives.
While plastic queen excluders offer the benefit of customisability, it is important to consider their limitations. Plastic excluders may have a shorter lifespan than metal alternatives and can be more challenging to clean. Some beekeepers also express environmental concerns about plastic excluders. Nonetheless, the ability to cut plastic queen excluders to custom sizes remains a significant advantage for those seeking flexibility and adaptability in their beekeeping practices.
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They are easier to clean
Plastic queen excluders are easier to clean than their metal counterparts. They can be cleaned by putting them in the freezer overnight and gently bending them once frozen, causing the wax to pop off. This is in contrast to metal excluders, where flat surfaces can be cleaned with a J-tool, but other areas are more difficult to access.
Plastic excluders are also more affordable and can be cut to custom sizes. They are made of injection-moulded plastic and lie flat on the brood box. The frequent cross-bracings on plastic queen excluders make them exceptionally strong and long-lasting.
Although plastic excluders are easier to clean, they are less durable than metal excluders, which last longer but are more expensive. Over time, plastic excluders will break, whereas metal excluders will rust.
Some beekeepers may prefer to use metal excluders for their longevity, despite the higher cost and more challenging cleaning process. However, for those seeking a cost-effective and low-maintenance option, plastic queen excluders are a suitable choice due to their ease of cleaning and affordability.
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They are less durable
Plastic queen excluders are less durable than their metal counterparts. Although plastic excluders are more affordable, they are prone to breaking over time. Additionally, the wax buildup on plastic excluders can be more challenging to clean than on metal ones. Beekeepers have shared a tip to clean the wax off plastic excluders: put them in the freezer overnight, and gently bend them once frozen, causing the wax to pop off.
While plastic excluders are more susceptible to damage, they do offer some advantages over metal excluders. They are lighter in weight, making them easier to handle and manoeuvre within the hive. The edges of plastic excluders are typically smooth, reducing the risk of damaging bees' wings as they pass through, which can be a concern with metal excluders that have folded metal edges.
The durability of a plastic queen excluder can be extended by proper maintenance and care. It is essential to clean the excluder regularly to prevent wax buildup, which can reduce airflow and cause overheating in hot weather. Additionally, storing the excluder properly when not in use will help prolong its lifespan.
Some beekeepers have expressed a preference for metal excluders due to their durability and ease of cleaning. Metal excluders may sag over time, but they are less likely to break or warp compared to plastic ones. Ultimately, the choice between plastic and metal excluders depends on the beekeeper's preferences, budget, and specific needs.
To maximise the durability of a plastic queen excluder, it is advisable to invest in a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer. Higher-quality plastic excluders may have reinforced designs or use more durable materials, increasing their resistance to breakage. Additionally, proper handling and care, such as avoiding excessive force or bending, can also contribute to the longevity of the plastic excluder.
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They may damage bees' wings
Queen excluders are used to restrict the queen bee to the brood nest of the hive, preventing her from laying eggs and raising brood in the hive body while the workers fill frames in the upper sections with honey. They are placed between the space where the queen lays eggs and the boxes where extra honey is stored. This helps keep the queen from laying eggs in boxes of honey that are to be harvested.
Some beekeepers argue that queen excluders can disrupt the natural structure of the hive, as bees do not have barriers within their wild nests. There is also the potential for drones and workers to be harmed. Drones may become trapped, and workers might damage their wings while navigating through these excluders, especially if the excluder has sharp edges. This largely depends on the design and quality of the excluder used.
Plastic queen excluders are more affordable than metal ones and can be cut to custom sizes. They are also easier to clean wax from—the wax can be removed by putting the excluder in the freezer overnight and gently bending it once frozen. However, plastic excluders may warp or deform, and they have a shorter lifespan than metal excluders. Repeated gamma irradiation can make the plastic brittle, and the plastic can warp and sag, restricting the movement of bees.
The decision to use a queen excluder depends on individual beekeeping goals and hive conditions. Some beekeepers find that their bees are less inclined to move through excluders, which may affect honey production. Others notice an increase in honey yield due to better hive organization. It is recommended that beekeepers experiment and observe to determine if queen excluders are suitable for their hives.
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Frequently asked questions
A queen excluder is a device used in beekeeping to separate the queen bee from the rest of the hive. It is a grid with slots that allow worker bees to pass through but are too small for the queen bee.
Plastic queen excluders are more affordable than metal ones and can be cut to custom sizes. They also provide less space for hive beetles to hide and are easier to clean wax from.
To clean a plastic queen excluder, put it in the freezer overnight. Once it is frozen, gently bend it, and the wax will pop off.
Plastic queen excluders may have sharp edges that could damage the wings of worker bees. They also have a shorter lifespan than metal excluders and may not be as durable.
Queen excluders are typically used when additional honey boxes are added to the hive and you want to keep the queen from laying eggs in the honey that will be harvested. They can also be used when making nucleus hives or to keep newly hived colonies from leaving.
