Wooden swarm boxes & 6-frame nuc boxes 

A 6-frame wooden nuc box, also known as a six-frame nuc or swarm box, is a small hive that fits six simplex brood box frames. These frames are the same as the hive frames used in the spaarkast and/or simplex hive. Originally these nuc boxes were always made of wood, such as pine or red cedar, but nowadays they are also available in plastic, often made of EPS, a type of polystyrene foam. This type of nuc box is ideal for housing a small colony, for example a swarm or a split. Or for building up a small colony. Thanks to its compact dimensions the nuc box is easy to transport, making it an indispensable piece of beekeeping equipment. Many keep one in their car for catching swarms.

Other uses of the six-frame nuc

The box is also used in pollination, for making a split or a shook swarm, or for housing a reserve colony on a few frames of bees via, for example, the Aalster method, a technique for creating artificial swarms.

Protecting the wooden six-frame nuc

We always recommend priming and painting wooden nuc boxes to protect them from moisture. This prevents moisture from wicking in through the outside of the box. Preventing this makes the boxes last much longer. Wood is sensitive to moisture and can therefore expand or shrink. A coat of paint forms a protective barrier. In our range you’ll find a wide selection of 100% natural paints that provide optimal protection for the exterior of a wooden hive. For extra protection you can also treat the inside of the box with propoleum. This also helps extend the life of the hive.

History of the wooden six-frame nuc

Historically, the box was developed in England to make it easy to transport small swarms during a period of bee scarcity. In this period many colonies, including Dutch ones, were exported to England. The small size of the box, just large enough for one colony, was particularly useful then. The box never disappeared and is still widely used today.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 items
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 items

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