Product Overview
12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Entrance Reducer
Adjust Your Hive Entrance for Better Colony Management
The 12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Entrance Reducer is a simple but valuable piece of hive equipment that allows beekeepers to adjust the size of the hive entrance as colony conditions change. Whether you're installing package bees, introducing a nucleus colony, preparing colonies for winter, or helping weaker hives defend against robbing, an entrance reducer provides greater control over hive traffic and colony protection.
Manufactured by Lappe's Bee Supply, this entrance reducer is built from quality wood and protected using our premium double wax dipping process, helping improve moisture resistance and extend its service life in the apiary.
Designed for compatibility with 12 Frame Langstroth solid bottom boards, this entrance reducer is an essential tool for seasonal hive management.
Quick Answer
An entrance reducer is installed at the front of the hive to reduce or enlarge the entrance opening as needed. It helps weaker colonies defend against robbing, limits cold drafts during cooler weather, and allows beekeepers to adjust hive traffic throughout the year.
Why Use an Entrance Reducer?
Not every colony requires a fully open entrance.
Smaller colonies often benefit from a reduced entrance because fewer guard bees are available to defend the hive. Reducing the opening makes it easier for the colony to protect itself against robbing bees, yellowjackets, and other pests.
As colonies become stronger during nectar flows, many beekeepers choose to enlarge the entrance to improve traffic flow.
Benefits include:
- Helps weaker colonies defend the hive
- Can reduce robbing pressure
- Supports seasonal hive management
- Helps limit cold drafts during cooler weather
- Simple to install and remove
- Compatible with standard 12 Frame Langstroth bottom boards
Why Double Wax Dipped Woodenware?
Although small, the entrance reducer is exposed to the same weather conditions as every other piece of hive equipment.
Our premium double wax dipping process helps:
- Improve moisture resistance
- Extend service life
- Reduce maintenance
- Protect the wood from weather exposure
- Match your other double wax dipped equipment
Excellent For
- Package bee installations
- Nucleus colony installations
- Swarm captures
- Weak colonies
- Winter hive preparation
- Apiary management
- Replacement equipment
What's Included
- One 12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Entrance Reducer - measures 17" long
What This Component Does
The 12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Entrance Reducer allows beekeepers to adjust the size of the hive entrance based on colony strength and seasonal conditions.
Reducing the entrance can help smaller colonies defend against robbing bees and yellowjackets while limiting unnecessary drafts during cooler weather. As colonies grow stronger, the entrance can be enlarged to improve airflow and accommodate increased foraging activity during nectar flows.
Although simple in design, the entrance reducer is an important management tool that gives beekeepers flexibility throughout the beekeeping season.
Where This Fits in Your Hive
The entrance reducer is installed at the front of the solid bottom board and controls the size of the colony's main entrance.
Typical hive configuration (top to bottom):
- Telescoping Lid
- Inner Cover
- Honey Super(s)
- Deep Hive Body
- Solid Bottom Board
- Entrance Reducer ← This Product
Because it sits at the hive entrance, the reducer can be easily adjusted or removed without disassembling the hive.
What This Product Is Compatible With
This 12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Entrance Reducer is designed for use with compatible 12 Frame Langstroth equipment, including:
- 12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Solid Bottom Boards
- Complete 12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Bee Hives
- 12 Frame 9-5/8" Deep Hive Bodies
- 12 Frame 6-5/8" Honey Supers
- Additional 12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Woodenware manufactured by Lappe's Bee Supply
When You'll Need This Component
An entrance reducer is commonly used throughout the year as colony conditions change.
You may use an entrance reducer when:
- Installing package bees
- Installing a 5 frame nuc
- Catching a swarm
- Managing weaker colonies
- Preparing colonies for cooler weather
- Reducing robbing pressure during nectar dearths
- Replacing worn or damaged entrance reducers
Many beekeepers adjust the entrance size several times throughout the year as colonies grow, nectar flows begin or end, and seasonal conditions change.
Why Buy from Lappe's Bee Supply?
Since 1978, Lappe's Bee Supply has helped beekeepers build stronger colonies with dependable equipment designed for real-world apiary conditions.
Our premium double wax dipped woodenware is manufactured to provide long-lasting durability and compatibility across our complete line of 12 Frame Langstroth hive equipment. Every component is built to work together, making it easy to maintain, expand, and manage your apiary with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an entrance reducer do?
An entrance reducer changes the size of the hive entrance, making it easier for smaller colonies to defend the hive while allowing beekeepers to adjust airflow and traffic as conditions change.
Should I use an entrance reducer all year?
Many beekeepers adjust or remove the entrance reducer depending on colony strength, nectar flow, weather conditions, and management preferences. There is no single approach that works for every colony or climate.
When should I reduce the hive entrance?
Entrance reducers are commonly used when installing package bees or nucs, managing weak colonies, during periods of robbing pressure, and while preparing colonies for colder weather.
Will this fit standard 12 Frame Langstroth equipment?
Yes. It is designed for compatible 12 Frame Langstroth solid bottom boards.
Is this double wax dipped?
Yes. The entrance reducer is protected using Lappe's premium double wax dipping process to improve moisture resistance and help extend its service life.
Can I replace just the entrance reducer?
Absolutely. Entrance reducers are inexpensive components that can easily be replaced whenever needed without replacing the entire bottom board.
