Product Overview
12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Inner Cover
Improve Hive Ventilation and Simplify Hive Inspections
The 12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Inner Cover is an essential component of a Langstroth hive, installed between the uppermost hive body or honey super and the telescoping lid. Although simple in appearance, the inner cover plays an important role in hive management by creating a protective space between the bees and the outer cover.
Manufactured by Lappe's Bee Supply, this premium inner cover is protected using our double wax dipping process to provide improved moisture resistance and long-lasting durability. When paired with a telescoping hive lid, it helps reduce burr comb, improves ventilation, makes inspections easier, and helps protect the colony from changing weather conditions.
Whether you're building a new hive, replacing worn equipment, or upgrading to premium double wax dipped woodenware, this inner cover is designed to provide dependable performance for years to come.
Quick Answer
An inner cover sits directly beneath the telescoping hive lid and above the uppermost hive body or honey super. It helps improve ventilation, reduces burr comb attached to the outer lid, creates a buffer between the bees and the weather, and makes hive inspections easier.
Why Is an Inner Cover Important?
Although the inner cover is often overlooked, it performs several important jobs inside the hive.
Without an inner cover, bees frequently attach burr comb and propolis directly to the underside of the telescoping lid. This can make inspections more difficult and increase the likelihood of disturbing the colony when removing the outer cover.
The inner cover also creates an insulating air space between the bees and the telescoping lid, helping regulate airflow while reducing direct exposure to temperature changes.
Benefits include:
- Improves hive ventilation
- Helps reduce burr comb on the outer lid
- Makes inspections easier
- Creates separation between the bees and telescoping cover
- Supports proper hive management
- Works with standard telescoping lids
Why Double Wax Dipped Woodenware?
Every inner cover is manufactured by Lappe's Bee Supply and protected using our premium double wax dipping process.
Double wax dipping helps:
- Improve moisture resistance
- Extend the service life of the wood
- Reduce maintenance
- Protect against weather exposure
- Provide years of dependable use
Excellent For
- New hive construction
- Replacing worn inner covers
- Building complete 12 frame hives
- Colony expansion
- Upgrading to double wax dipped equipment
- Hobby, sideline, and commercial beekeepers
What's Included
- One Fully Assembled 12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Inner Cover - measures 19-7/8" x 18-1/2" x 7/8"
Telescoping lid sold separately.
What This Component Does
The 12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Inner Cover creates a protective barrier between the honey bees and the telescoping hive lid. This separation improves airflow, reduces burr comb and excessive propolis buildup on the outer cover, and allows the telescoping lid to be removed with less disturbance during hive inspections.
The inner cover also helps create a small insulating air space above the colony, contributing to better moisture management and making routine hive maintenance easier throughout the beekeeping season.
Where This Fits in Your Hive
The inner cover is installed directly beneath the telescoping hive lid and above the uppermost hive body or honey super.
Typical hive configuration (top to bottom):
- Telescoping Hive Lid
- Inner Cover ← This Product
- Honey Super(s) (when installed)
- Deep Hive Body (Brood Chamber)
- Bottom Board
By separating the bees from the outer cover, the inner cover helps protect the colony while improving inspection efficiency and supporting proper hive ventilation.
What This Product Is Compatible With
This 12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Inner Cover is designed for use with compatible 12 Frame Langstroth hive equipment, including:
- 12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Telescoping Hive Lids
- 12 Frame 9-5/8" Deep Hive Bodies
- 12 Frame 6-5/8" Honey Supers
- 12 Frame Solid Bottom Boards
- 12 Frame Screened Bottom Boards
- Complete 12 Frame Double Wax Dipped Bee Hives
- Additional 12 Frame Wax Dipped Hive Components manufactured by Lappe's Bee Supply
Using matching 12 frame equipment helps ensure proper fit while creating a complete weather-resistant hive.
When You'll Need This Component
An inner cover is used on virtually every Langstroth hive equipped with a telescoping lid and is considered a standard component of complete hive construction.
You may need this component when:
- Building a new 12 frame hive
- Replacing a damaged or worn inner cover
- Expanding your apiary
- Upgrading to premium double wax dipped woodenware
- Replacing older equipment during routine hive maintenance
Installing an inner cover beneath the telescoping lid helps improve inspections, reduce burr comb, and provide the proper spacing needed for efficient hive management.
Why Buy from Lappe's Bee Supply?
Lappe's Bee Supply has roots in commercial beekeeping dating back to 1978. Our premium double wax dipped woodenware is manufactured by beekeepers who understand the importance of durable, dependable equipment that performs season after season.
Every component is built to work together as part of a complete 12 frame Langstroth hive, helping beekeepers protect their investment while maintaining healthy, productive colonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an inner cover do?
An inner cover separates the bees from the telescoping lid, improves ventilation, reduces burr comb and propolis buildup, and makes hive inspections easier.
Do I need an inner cover?
If you're using a telescoping hive lid, an inner cover is highly recommended. It helps protect the colony, improves hive management, and reduces the amount of comb and propolis attached to the outer cover.
Does this include the telescoping lid?
No. This product includes the inner cover only. The telescoping lid is sold separately.
Is this compatible with standard 12 frame Langstroth equipment?
Yes. It is designed for use with compatible 12 frame Langstroth hive components.
Why is this double wax dipped?
Our premium double wax dipping process helps improve moisture resistance, extend the life of the woodenware, and reduce maintenance compared to unfinished equipment.
Can I replace just the inner cover?
Yes. Many beekeepers replace individual hive components as needed, making it easy to upgrade or repair existing hives without purchasing an entirely new hive.
