Mann LakePremium Beekeeping Frames, All-in-One Frame & Foundation, Beeswax Coating, Universal Fit, BPA & BPS Free, 9 1/8 Inches, Natural, 10-Pack

So over the past few years I have converted my hives over to natural cell frames. For those who haven't been following the literature and public discussion among beeks, there are those who believe that one way to help bees defend themselves against mites and encourage overall hive vigor is to let them build their own cells rather than using foundation. Bees in the wild build cells which are smaller than those on commercial foundation. Someone had the bright idea a few decades ago that making foundation with larger cells would yield larger super-bees, so most foundation is around 5.3 - 5.4mm. The problem is, larger cells also allow more room for varroa mites. These Mann Lake plastic frames have cells which are 4.9mm, which is a lot closer to what the bees build in the wild.Thing is though, if I have learned one thing about cell size over the past few years it is this: Bees don't build all their cells at any one particular size. Not 5.4mm, not 5.3mm, not even 4.9mm. Left to their own ways, they will build cells at a variety of different sizes for different purposes. What's more, they will routinely change the size and configuration of cells. A cluster of small worker brood cells on an outer frame in the springtime may morph into larger drone brood cells in the summer, then morph again into honey storage cells in the fall.Thus my recommendation: Buy these Mann Lake frames, then take half of them and cut out the entire center. Use a drill to make a hole in one corner, then insert a jig saw blade and cut out almost all the foundation, leaving just a one-inch or so strip all around the perimeter. After you have done this to half of your frames, then alternate them with the other half (the unmodified ones) in the hive body. The reason for alternating is so that the bees will build their comb straight. If you use all cut frames, the bees will have comb going every which way and you'll have a real mess on your hands. But when you alternate, they will generally build their comb straight.If you're a little nervous about trying this, then do a limited experiment... cut just one frame and insert it in the hive, then observe what happens over the next few weeks. You'll discover that the bees love building comb from scratch much more than they like drawing out foundation. If you're like me, you'll soon finding yourself cutting more and more frames until your hives are pretty much all natural comb.One caveat to this... I would not recommend cutting honey storage frames because natural comb tends to break in an extractor. So if you're like most people and use deep supers for the brood nest and medium supers for honey, then your plan is simple: Cut half of your deep frames and none of your medium frames.I'm no expert, but this strategy has been working well for me. For the past few years my bees have wintered over very well and mites have not been a problem at all. I do not medicate, period. If you want to get into small and/or natural cell beekeeping, these Mann Lake frames are great.

they are ok looking but think should had good coating of wax on them cause dosent seem be .waiting see if plastic sturdy like other black on bought past

This appears to be a good quality product. I can't see how these frames would deteriorate over time. They all appeared to have a significant coating of bee's wax.

I was concerned about the bees building comb on the plastic. They have a thick coating of bees wax and the drew it out quickly.

Standard frames are available with 100 percent US beeswax coatingMade of food grade plasticOne piece design requires no assembly; 4.9 cell sizeComes in black colorMeasures 19-inch length by 1-3/8-inch width by 9-1/8-inch heightI've been happy using these frames. The bees are drawing them out very nicely. Note: if your bees aren't already regressed or already using small cell, it can be a challenge to get them to draw out small cell foundation. roduct was descibed exactlycame properly packedgreat price better than i could buy and assemble myselftrial to see if bees prfeer black over yellow coated frames

I started bee keeping last year (2013) knowing nothing. I ordered all three frame types, Wax center (Which I used for Natural honey combs - no wires, be careful removing!) Wood frames with plastic coated centers, (some assembly required) and these solid plastic frames. These are by far the easiest to work with. The bees seemed to not care about the frame types, so I have settled on this type. No assembly, just drop them in!

Good quality product. I find I have to coat the plastic with another coat of wax before using these frames in a hive box. Without doing that, the bees form their comb in odd formations. But waxing myself (I use a foam paint roller and melted bees wax) makes a frame that the bees readily accept and build on properly.

exactly as described. Good packaging.