North Carolina Bee School Practice Exam

How wide is the bee space typically in a beehive?

1. 1/8" - 1/4"

2. 1/4" - 3/8"

3. 1/2" - 3/4"

4. 3/4" - 1"

The correct answer is: 1/4" - 3/8"

The bee space is the specific gap bees prefer to maintain in their hive to facilitate movement and prevent problems such as the building of unnecessary comb or overcrowding. Typically, the ideal width for bee space is between 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch. This range allows enough room for bees to pass through without building extra comb, which makes the hive easier for beekeepers to inspect and manage. A gap smaller than 1/4 inch may lead the bees to fill it with propolis, a resin-like substance that they use to seal gaps in the hive, while a gap larger than 3/8 inch can lead to the construction of additional comb or create a drafty environment, which can be detrimental to the colony. Thus, the specified range of 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch is essential for maintaining a conducive environment within the hive and ensuring that the bees can operate efficiently.