What is burr comb in beekeeping?

Burr comb refers to the unwanted wax structures that bees create when they don't adhere to the specific spacing requirements within the hive, known as bee space. This space is typically around 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch, providing enough room for bees to move freely without overcrowding. When bees encounter more space than ideal, or if the spacing is inconsistent due to hive management or structural issues, they may produce burr comb to bridge the gaps. This comb is often found connecting frames or other surfaces within the hive and is generally seen as a nuisance because it complicates hive management and can impede the beekeeper's access to the frames.

Understanding burr comb is important for beekeepers to help maintain an organized hive and ensure optimal conditions for the colony's productivity. Other choices, such as natural honeycomb or combs built for pollen storage, represent differently constructed combs that serve specific purposes within a hive and do not address the challenges posed by excess spacing. A type of bee housing does not accurately describe burr comb, which pertains specifically to the bees' building behavior within an existing structure rather than the housing itself.