PasiekaOlek · Małopolskie, PL · Gear · Jun 3, 2026

Standard frames vs foundationless — three years later, switching back?

Went all-in on foundationless in 2023, sold my excluders and starter strips. Three years later: drone comb everywhere, inspections take longer, swarm management is a nightmare. Am I doing it wrong or is the meta back to foundation?

#frames#foundationless

▲ 12 votes 💬 3 replies

3 replies

MayaBees · Jun 3, 2026

Foundationless works if you let the bees draw 1–2 drone frames intentionally, then put foundation in the brood nest. Pure foundationless = drone comb everywhere, you're right.

ImkerinLena · Jun 3, 2026

I run mixed: foundation in the brood box, foundationless in the honey supers. Best of both — predictable brood pattern, beautiful cut comb honey on top.

VTBeeHannah · Jun 3, 2026

First year I used foundationless and it was chaos. Switched to wax foundation in deeps, never looking back. Sometimes the old way is the old way for a reason.

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