A simple wooden rim placed between hive boxes or under the roof to create extra space within the hive. Beekeepers use it to accommodate winter feeding patties, provide room for varroa mite treatments, or give bees extra clustering space. It lacks frames and is solely designed to lift the box above it by a few inches.
Heard on the job
Slip an eke under the crown board so we have room to drop in the fondant for winter feeding.
Insider tip
Do not leave an eke on during a strong nectar flow without a specific purpose, or the bees will fill the empty void with messy burr comb.