North Carolina Bee School Practice Exam

What material is commonly used to create hive foundation?

1. Wood

2. Wax

3. Plastic

4. Both wax and plastic

The correct answer is: Both wax and plastic

Hive foundation is an essential component in beekeeping, as it helps the bees in building their comb in an organized manner. The materials commonly used for creating hive foundation are wax and plastic. Wax foundation is made from beeswax that is processed and shaped into sheets. This allows bees to draw out the comb effectively, as they are naturally inclined to build on wax. Wax foundation encourages healthy comb development and cell construction, as bees quickly recognize and utilize it. Plastic foundation, on the other hand, is manufactured from food-grade plastic and often has a similar cell pattern to that of wax to guide bees in building their comb. Plastic is durable and can be reused multiple times, making it a practical choice for commercial beekeepers. Additionally, using plastic foundation can help prevent certain pests and diseases due to its non-porous nature. In practice, many beekeepers utilize both wax and plastic foundations to suit their specific management preferences, goals, and environmental conditions. Consequently, the answer that includes both wax and plastic accurately reflects the common practices in hive foundation creation.