Episode 156 – Comb Control: Who Builds It, When They Do, and What to Watch For 🐝🧱
In this episode, we dive into the what, who, when, where, why, and how of honeycomb production. You'll learn how wax gets made, when bees choose to build it, what types of foundation help or hinder that process, and how to manage common comb problems — from burr and brace comb to the dreaded “wonky comb.” We also get into frame spacing habits, foundation color (black vs yellow), and why wax production is all about energy balance, not instinct alone.Whether you’re dealing with bridge comb between deeps, weird bulging frames, or just want to help your bees draw clean comb, this episode will walk you through every angle.🧭 What’s Inside This Episode:Who makes comb, when, and whyHow nectar flow (not honey stores) triggers wax productionThe hidden costs of wax secretion for the colonyFoundation types: plastic, wax, foundationless, and starter stripsBurr, brace, and bridge comb — what’s the difference?Fixing frames stuck together or warped from weird combMy personal hot take on why I do not squish frames togetherTips on checkerboarding and why it doesn’t always workShould you use black or yellow foundation? Here’s the real deal.🔗 More Info🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com📺 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees📌 About the PodcastBeekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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