Which frames are typically on the outside of a hive?

The outside frames of a bee hive, known as the edge or perimeter frames, are typically those without brood. These frames serve several important functions in the hive layout. First, they help to maintain the overall stability of the hive structure, providing a solid outer layer that bees can work around. Second, these frames often serve as insulating barriers that help regulate the internal temperature of the hive, particularly during colder months.

Additionally, the frames on the outside may contain honey or be left empty to encourage the bees to use the center frames for brood rearing and honey production. This strategic placement allows bees to maximize resources effectively by keeping brood (developing bees) in the warmer, central portions of the hive, where they are better insulated. The lack of brood on the outer frames maximizes space utilization, as bees can manage their workload more efficiently, protecting the vital brood area while still accessing necessary resources nearby.