Apimaye Plastic Deep PRO Frames [SOLD OUT]

I started with wood frames and beeswax foundation and will continue to use them until it is time to retire that comb. I just recently purchased an Apimaye 7 frame hive set with frames and plastic foundations and liked the way the Pro Frames clamped around the plastic (and beeswax) foundations. the Pro Frames are easy to open up with a hive tool, lay the foundation in and close the frames together, done! Once closed together, the frames securely hold the foundation in place. It is getting difficult to find bulk beeswax foundation at this time and wasn't sure how well the plastic foundation would fit inside the Pro Frame, plastic fits well. I like the frames so much, I bought 40 extra frames.

I started using these with the foundation at first and the bees wanted nothing to do with it. So I took them out and replaced them with wood frames without foundation as that's the way I have the other boxes. But they were short for the deep. They made a mess with that so I started replacing them these plastic frames without the foundation this time and they are creating beautiful comb in it actually better than the wood foundation less frames. I only wish they made them for medium boxes as well. With the wood frames they always cause some frames to be stuck together these frames give the the perfect frame of reference.

I purchased four Apimaye double brood colonies and a NUC in the Spring 2021. Although two weeks ago I had three colonies. They have uncontrollably swarmed. I now have seven colonies. I ran out of the plastic frames. I was able to snap together enough with wire reinforced wax foundation quickly and catch four swarms.

I've used a steam cleaner and a little elbow grease to sterilize and clean the used frames. My old wooden frames get moldy in the wood grain over time and can splinter when scraping off propolis. I find the Apimaye plastic frames worth their up front cost because of their ease of snapping in foundation, steam cleaning/sterilizing, and long life of repeated use. I live in Western Washington State and this late season is seeing uncontrollable bee swarming, large population of bees and record honey production; is just unheard of in my memory of beekeeping since 2015. I'm so glad I switched to the complete Apimaye system of beekeeping.

I have seen complaints where people have trouble getting them to snap them back together. If you start from the top middle and work your way around to the bottom middle it seems to work pretty well. I had one that wasn't snapping together at the top in the middle so I took it apart and redid it this way and worked fine. Personally I think it will hold up better than wood. But the cost may be too high if your plan is to sell nucs

It’s my 3rd year using these. Various frame types have various favorable and unfavorable attributes. These frames are simple and appear they will last forever. I use wax foundation mostly but have had some limited success with plastic foundation. Queen cells can be easily harvested from the all wax foundation. That’s very important to me. Bees draw these out super fast. That too is important to me. Plastic foundation is often uneven in wax distribution leading to funky comb and wasted time in the hive. I must wax all plastic foundation to save time and production. These frames with wax sheets installed are a production frame in my experience. I will work out all of my wooden ware in due time and plan to be 100% utilization of these.

Cut comb is a breeze with these frame. Quick punch cut and return to the hives. I’m not into that but for those that are, here’s your tip.

Don’t let the price fool ya. The value is in long term use and ease of use. Don’t pass up the opportunity to receive these with a new hive if ordering a hive. I cannot imagine a serious beekeeper not falling in love with these. A huge time saver / money maker.