The Wax Sheet is a pressed beeswax foundation used to fit inside Langstroth hive frames. It provides a pre-formed hexagonal cell pattern that bees use as a starting template to build out full comb. Without a foundation, bees build comb in unpredictable patterns that are difficult to remove for inspection and incompatible with honey extractors. Foundation wax sheets ensure straight, uniform comb that fits neatly in the frame and spins cleanly in a Honey Extractor Machine.
What Is the Wax Sheet?
The Wax Sheet is a hive setup accessory used at the colony establishment and frame preparation stage of beekeeping. It works by giving bees a pre-embossed hexagonal cell pattern as a starting point for comb construction. This process is faster and more energy-efficient than building comb from scratch, reducing the time from frame installation to comb completion by several days. Foundation sheets are essential when setting up new Langstroth Hives, replacing old or damaged comb, or preparing honey super frames before the honey flow.
What Is the Price of the Wax Sheet in Kenya?
The Wax Sheet is priced at KSh 180 at Urban Beekeepers in Nairobi. In stock ā no lead time. Same-day delivery within Nairobi. Nationwide delivery available to all major towns. Payment accepted via M-Pesa and card. Urban Beekeepers takes bulk orders. Call 0797 764 747 or message via WhatsApp to discuss.
š¬ Order Now on WhatsApp ā KSh 180
Key Features and Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Natural beeswax |
| Cell Pattern | Standard hexagonal worker cell emboss |
| What’s Included | One Wax Sheet per unit purchased |
| Compatible Hive | Standard 10-frame Langstroth Hive |
| Sold As | Per sheet, KSh 180 each |
| Use Case | New hive setup, super frame preparation, comb replacement |
| Price | KSh 180 per sheet |
Who Needs the Wax Sheet?
- All Langstroth Hive Beekeepers: Any beekeeper setting up new frames or replacing old comb. Wax Sheet foundations are essential for every new frame placed in a Langstroth hive.
- New Beekeepers: Beekeepers setting up their first Langstroth colony who need to prepare all frames before introducing bees.
- Commercial Farmers: Farmers rotating old comb out of brood boxes annually as a hygiene measure and replacing it with fresh foundation sheets.
- County Governments and NGOs: Programmes distributing Langstroth hive starter kits that include foundation sheets as a standard component.
How to Use the Wax Sheet
- Prepare the frame. Ensure the Langstroth frame has a top bar slot or embedded wire to support the wax sheet. Wedge-top frames use a removable wedge that is tacked back in place after inserting the sheet.
- Warm the sheet in cool weather. In cool or cold weather, wax sheets become brittle and crack easily. Warm them briefly in a sunny area or near a heat source before handling. Do not overheat.
- Insert the sheet. Slide the Wax Sheet into the frame, resting it against the top bar. For wedge frames, press the wax edge into the slot and nail the wedge back.
- Install frames in the hive. Place prepared frames in the hive. Bees will begin drawing out the comb within 24 to 48 hours in a strong colony with adequate nectar or syrup intake.
- Feed new colonies to speed comb building. Feed newly installed frames with a 1:1 sugar syrup using a Bee Feeder to provide the energy bees need to secrete wax and draw out the comb quickly.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care extends the working life of your Wax Sheet and keeps it performing effectively season after season.
- Store unused Wax Sheets flat in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Heat causes them to warp and stick together, making them unusable.
- Do not stack heavy objects on top of stored wax sheets. The weight can deform the embossed cell pattern, making them less effective as a comb-building guide.
- Use older sheets first. Wax oxidises over time and very old sheets may be less attractive to bees than fresh ones. Rotate stock and use within 12 months of purchase for best results.
Why Buy From Urban Beekeepers?
- In stock ā 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
- M-Pesa and card accepted
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 a wax sheet used for in beekeeping?
A Wax Sheet (foundation sheet) is a pressed beeswax template fitted into Langstroth frames. It gives bees a hexagonal cell pattern to build on, producing straight, uniform comb that fits neatly in the frame and is compatible with honey extractors. Without foundation, bees build irregular comb that is difficult to inspect and impossible to extract without crushing.
How many wax sheets do I need for a Langstroth hive?
A standard 10-frame Langstroth brood box requires 10 wax sheets. A honey super of the same size also requires 10 sheets per box. Urban Beekeepers sells wax sheets individually at KSh 180 each. Urban Beekeepers takes bulk orders. Call 0797 764 747 or message via WhatsApp to discuss quantities.
Do wax sheets work for the Kenya Top Bar Hive?
Wax Sheet foundations are designed for Langstroth frames. Kenya Top Bar Hives do not use frames or foundation. Instead, beekeepers can fix a small strip of beeswax to the underside of each top bar as a guide for natural comb building.
Does Urban Beekeepers deliver wax sheets 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 for your location.
