Members who are preparing new frames for their hives may like to consider requesting sheets of the newer deeper foundation to assist the bees in completely filling the frame when drawing it out. The deeper foundation will reduce the tendency of the bees to build drone comb in the bottom 1-2 cm of frame where there was a gap in the old size. All opportunities to avoid the incidence of drone comb should be taken as part of preparations for the eventual arrival of varroa to Wellington.

On a similar note, members could consider using heavy duty (or even extra heavy duty) foundation for frames that may eventually hold manuka honey as the thicker foundation will prevent the comb from disintegrating so easily during extraction.

These (and other standard) foundation sheets are available from New Zealand Beeswax Ltd, ph 03-693 9189, fax: 03-693 9780, email: beeswax@xtra.co.nz. Request foundation that meets your needs to encourage the suppliers to produce the sizes and grades that we find most effective.