Bee brush (single row)

01 · A SINGLE ROW

Less bristle, better aim

One row sweeps a narrow band: it clears the top bar before you lift the frame, takes the bees off around a queen cage, or cleans one patch of comb without going over the brood. With two rows that same stroke drags half the face of the frame. That is why it belongs in the brood box and on the bench.

02 · THE HORSEHAIR

Firm enough to move a bee, soft enough not to break her

Horsehair has the body to lift a bee that is gripping the comb and stays flexible enough not to snap a wing. The stroke matters as much as the bristle: sweep with the body, from the top bar downwards, and never twice over the same spot — the more you go back, the harder they hang on.

03 · ONE ROW OR TWO

It depends on whether you inspect or you harvest

One row for inspecting, queen rearing and bench work. Two rows for harvest, when you want the frame clear in a single stroke: that is the BR11, also horsehair, or the BR03. And at harvest, a sharp knock of the frame over the open hive drops most of the bees before you touch anything; the brush is for what is left.

04 · BEFORE YOU BUY

Wash it in warm water when propolis clogs it and hang it to dry with the hair pointing down: bristle caked with honey goes stiff and stops sweeping.