The Frame Spacer is a simple but essential Langstroth hive accessory that maintains the correct and uniform distance — known as bee space — between frames in a brood box or honey super. Bee space (approximately 9mm) is the gap that bees naturally maintain between surfaces in a hive. Frames spaced correctly allow bees to pass freely, prevent cross-comb formation, and ensure frames can be removed cleanly during inspections without breaking comb or crushing bees.
What Is the Frame Spacer?
In a Langstroth hive, the spacing between frames determines how bees build comb and how easily the beekeeper can manage the hive. If frames are too close together, bees fill the gap with burr comb. If too far apart, bees bridge across with irregular connecting comb — making frames impossible to remove without damage. Frame spacers are fitted to the frame end bars or to the inner walls of the hive box to hold each frame at the exact correct spacing throughout the box. They are particularly valuable in honey supers where even spacing maximises comb volume and honey yield per frame. Used alongside Frame Wire and Beeswax Foundation Sheets for complete frame assembly.
Key Features and Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Function | Maintains correct bee space between Langstroth frames |
| Compatible Hive | Standard Langstroth brood boxes and honey supers |
| Bee Space | Approximately 9mm (standard Langstroth bee space) |
Who Needs Frame Spacers?
- Langstroth Beekeepers: Any beekeeper running Langstroth hives benefits from properly spaced frames — easier inspections, less burr comb, and better frame utilisation.
- Commercial Apiaries: In operations managing many hives, correctly spaced frames significantly reduce inspection time and propolis removal during harvests.
Why Buy From Urban Beekeepers?
- Kenya’s best beekeeping equipment shop — stocking high-quality and genuine beekeeping equipment
- In stock — same-day delivery within Nairobi
- Nationwide delivery to all major towns across Kenya
- Call or WhatsApp: 0797 764 747
- Trusted by commercial farmers, CBOs, and NGOs across Kenya
- Urban Beekeepers accepts M-Pesa, card, cash and bank transfer payments
Shipping and Delivery
Urban Beekeepers delivers countrywide to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Machakos, Kitengela, Kitui, and all major towns across Kenya. Same-day delivery within Nairobi. Call 0797 764 747 to confirm delivery timelines for your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bee space and why does it matter?
Bee space is the natural gap of approximately 9mm that honey bees maintain between surfaces inside a hive. Langstroth designed his hive around this principle — if gaps are kept at exactly bee space, bees leave them open. Gaps smaller than bee space get filled with propolis; gaps larger than bee space get filled with burr comb. Frame spacers maintain this exact gap between all frames in the box.
Does Urban Beekeepers deliver Frame Spacers outside Nairobi?
Urban Beekeepers delivers countrywide to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Machakos, Kitengela, Kitui, and all major towns across Kenya. Same-day delivery within Nairobi. Call 0797 764 747 to confirm delivery timelines.
