Cell size in nature
Bees don’t create a cells of a single, pre-determined size as they make their honeycomb. They make them according to their needs. Most beekeepers are aware that drone cells are considerably larger than those cells destined to create a worker bee. And queen cups are a very different size and shape altogether.
But even for worker cells, bees typically create in nature that are smaller than those we “encourage” them to create in our beehives when we install artificial foundation. This articles looks at how this came to be, the debate about the value of small cell foundation and how to “regress” to a smaller cell size.
Bigger is better – right?
Beyond the obvious differences between worker, drone and queen cells, bees will be bees and do what they want! For worker cells there is variability in the cell size observed in nature, from around 4.8 mm to 5.1 mm.
Then man came along, with his unique motivations and bright ideas.
A common idea among beekeepers through the ages has been that we know better! One example is the belief that a larger worker bee is a more “capable” bee, since she can forage more efficiently. Big trucks can carry big loads! From that rather simplistic idea came the idea that, to encourage the creation of a larger bee, larger cells are beneficial.
A certain A.I. Root (1839 to 1923 – a good innings back then!) is often associated with the initial idea of larger cell sizes. Root was a beekeeping entrepreneur of his day and had a significant impact on the beekeeping industry and its techniques. Although others are also part of this story, he started producing foundation with larger cells, on the basis that this supposedly leads to larger, more capable workers.
Over time this led to an acceptance among beekeepers too. A cell size of 5.4 mm came to be accepted as the proverbial “right way”, especially when this was seen to produce positive results.
And then came Varroa (note : many an explanation about changes in beekeeping trends starts with the statement “And then came Varroa”).
In relation to cell size, the life cycle of the Varroa mite aligns well with a larger cell. As well as the extra space, a drone takes longer to emerge from a call, which provides more time for Varroa reproduce. In short, Varroa love larger cells!
The use of manufactured foundation with a cell size of 5.4 mm is not exactly a problem for Varroa! That said, we can use a larger cell size to our advantage, as many do with the use of drone frames as “bait” for Varroa. But we digress…
Over time, the combination of the massive impact of Varroa and the long-held acceptance of larger cells came to be a hot topic of discussion among beekeepers. Being the industrious and curious type, many beekeepers started considering the “small cell foundation” as a way to make our beehives less hospitable to Varroa, which we will discuss below.
In this context, “small cell foundation” is something of a misnomer, since it’s small only in comparison to the larger cells beekeepers have chosen to install in beehives. But “back-to-normal-sized cell foundation” is a bit of a mouthful!
Choosing Small Cell Foundation
There are many choices for beekeepers, as they decide their use of foundation, (for a detailed discussion, check out our Frames and Foundation Buyers Guide).
Foundationless beekeeping
Many beekeepers – particularly those drawn to natural beekeeping – avoid the use of man-made foundation altogether. Foundationless beekeeping simply means using frames that have (surprise!) no foundation. This approach allows bees to create their own honeycomb afresh, without the “hint” from us about cell size by using foundation.
The result is a beautiful creation in the hive that is the pride of any beekeeper. There are a few challenges with foundationless beekeeping, particularly related to the fragility of new honeycomb. The increased likelihood of cross comb can also be a problem.
But a key advantage is that bees will use a cell size according to what THEY feel is appropriate, not what the beekeeper has helped define.
The theory of small cell foundation
For other beekeepers, though, installing foundation is acceptable. It is now common for beekeepers to advocate the use of “small cell foundation”, typically with cells measuring 4.8mm across.
As we have seen, the use of small cell foundation is popular based on the belief that the threat of Varroa can be reduced. Be aware, though, that there are competing beliefs, namely that smaller cell size has no benefit in relation to Varroa. In fact, some beekeepers will tell you that Varroa numbers can even be higher with small cells
f you are looking for complete uniformity across your fellow hobbyists then you are in the wrong hobby! So look into this and draw your conclusions, now that you are aware that cell size is “a thing” with beekeepers!
Regression
Some beekeepers take steps to return to a small cell size, for the reasons outlined above. The process of transitioning the colony from a larger cell size to a smaller, more natural cell size is called regression.
A common way to initiate regression is to allow bees previously raised on 5.2 mm cells to build their own comb, through foundationless beekeeping. The transition, though, is not quick. It can take a several generations for bees to move from creating the larger cells they have created previously and towards the creation of 4.9 mm cells.
The initial generations may create smaller cells, but these may remain around 5.2 mm. Over time, though, as each subsequent generation has the need to create their own comb, this will reduce until they have reached the more natural cell size.
Purchasing Small Cell Foundation
Small cell foundation is available as beeswax with crimped wires add, for extra rigidity. It can be purchased for use in either deep for medium frames.
