Frames placed in the nest cavity that hang at right angles to the entrance-way are said to placed 'warm way'. On the other hand frames placed in the nest cavity that run in a direction parallel to the entrance-way are said to be 'cold way'. Imagine the 'warmth' or 'coolness' to be a result of draughts of air blown in the entrance and baffled, or not, by the arrangement of the frames. This aspect is determined by the design of the hive and not all designs permit a choice, if there is a choice, make sure you adopt one or the other and do not mix directions within a hive. While there are advocates for both, as far as we can tell, from the bee's perspective there is no advantage for either. From the beekeeper's point of view however placing frames 'warm way' may have an edge. When manipulating frames arranged in this way the beekeeper can stand at the rear of the hive and the hands fall naturally either side of the frames and nest cavity, and are away from the entrance of the hive. Tools can be passed from one hand to the other without having to pass over the open nest. When the frames are placed 'cold way' if the beekeeper stands to the rear they must reach further, over the top of the colony, and tend to twist their bodies, (often while bending). Alternatively they stand to one side or the other, but must have one hand working over the entrance side of the colony, the movement of which can excite the attention of the guard bees and disturbed bees returning to the hive.

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