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How to Use Queen Bee Excluder

Most beekeepers find using an excluder the best way to keep honey pure and prevent pollen from spoiling the combs. It's a metal screen that separates the brood chamber from the supers above and has holes just large enough for worker bees to get through but too small for the queen to pass. Using an excluder helps ensure quality honey in your combs, but if used improperly it could also diminish your brood.

Instructions

- 1
  Attach your queen bee excluder to the top brood chamber. Putting it on the top chamber should place it between the brood chamber and the honey supers.
- 2
  Ensure the extension tab located on the side of the excluder is sticking out. It will help you remove the excluder in the future should it stick to the brood chamber.
- 3
  Tempt bees up into the super by placing a comb of honey in the center. At first, bees may not go through the excluder and might need a little coaxing.
- 4
  Leave the excluder on all season, even if you add more supers to expand your amount of honeycombs. Just be sure to remove it in the fall so the queen can move in with the winter cluster. Otherwise, she'll die and won't make it until spring.

Insects & Science