1 1

3-In-1 Super Shim™ for Langstroth Hives

3-In-1 Super Shim™ for Langstroth Hives

The 3-In-1 Super Shim™ combines hive ventilation, fondant feeding, and an upper entrance in one modular tool for Langstroth hives.

$39.95
$39.95
Sale Sold out
Hive Size
Pack

The 3-In-1 Super Shim™ is a modular beehive shim for 8-frame and 10-frame Langstroth hives that functions as an upper entrance, ventilation shim, and fondant feeding shim. Designed to improve hive airflow, winter feeding, and foraging efficiency, it provides three essential hive management tools in one durable, customizable solution.

Key Features:

  • Functions as a fondant feeding shim, upper entrance, and ventilation shim
  • Compatible with 8-frame and 10-frame Langstroth hives
  • Adjustable ventilation with 1–8 removable sections to help manage heat, humidity, and moisture
  • Creates ideal space for fondant patties during winter and early spring feeding
  • Improves bee traffic and reduces congestion at the main hive entrance
  • Fully customizable design—sections can be added, removed, or repositioned as needed
  • Made from durable, UV-resistant PETG for years of outdoor use
  • Designed and manufactured in the USA by a beekeeper, for beekeepers
  • One Hive Super Shim
  • One Bee Entrance Section
  • One Vent Section

This product requires assembly, but comes with instructions and screws, making the process simple and user-friendly.

View full details

3-In-1 Super Shim vs Traditional Wooden Shim

Feature 3-In-1 Super Shim™ Wooden Shim
Ventilation
✓
✗ Limited
Upper Entrance
✓
✗ Usually No
Fondant Space
✓
✗ Sometimes
Modular Design
✓
✗ No
Weather Resistant
✓
✗ No

Super Easy Assembly

3-In-1 Super Shim™ FAQ

What is a hive shim?

A hive shim is a spacer installed between hive components to create additional space inside a beehive. Beekeepers use hive shims for purposes such as fondant feeding, improving ventilation, adding upper entrances, and reducing moisture buildup. The 3-In-1 Super Shim® combines all three functions into a single modular design for Langstroth hives.

Do I need an upper entrance?

While not required, many beekeepers use an upper entrance to improve hive traffic and reduce congestion at the main entrance. During nectar flows, an upper entrance can provide foragers with a shorter route to honey supers, helping bees move nectar more efficiently throughout the hive.

Does a shim improve ventilation?

Yes. A ventilation shim can improve airflow inside the hive by creating adjustable openings that allow excess heat and humidity to escape. Proper hive ventilation can help bees regulate temperature more effectively during hot weather and reduce moisture accumulation during cooler months.

Can a shim reduce hive moisture?

Yes. Excess moisture inside a hive can lead to condensation, mold, and poor wintering conditions. A properly configured ventilation shim helps improve airflow and allows moisture to escape, creating a drier and healthier hive environment.

How much fondant fits in the Super Shim?

The 3-In-1 Super Shim® is designed to create ample space above the frames for fondant patties used during winter and early spring feeding. Capacity varies depending on the size and thickness of the fondant patty, but the shim provides sufficient clearance for most commercially available fondant products.

Can bees propolize the vents?

Bees may apply propolis to ventilation openings as part of their natural hive management behavior. However, we've found that if placed above the inner cover bee's tend to leave them untouched.

Does it work with queen excluders?

Yes. The 3-In-1 Super Shim® is commonly used above a queen excluder to provide an upper entrance for foraging bees. This configuration can improve access to honey supers while maintaining the benefit. On occasion, we've witnessed some burr comb built to bridge the gap between the queen excluder, however we don't think it's an issue.

Collapsible rowDoes it increase honey production?

No hive accessory can guarantee increased honey production. However, improved ventilation, reduced entrance congestion, and more efficient forager traffic may help colonies operate more efficiently during nectar flows, which can contribute to stronger honey-producing conditions.

Collapsible rowCan I use it year-round?

Yes. The 3-In-1 Super Shim® can be used throughout the year. Many beekeepers use it as a ventilation shim during summer, an upper entrance during honey flows, and a fondant feeding shim during winter and early spring.

Is PETG safe for beehives?

Yes. PETG is a durable, food-safe plastic commonly used in food containers and outdoor applications. It offers excellent resistance to moisture, UV exposure, and temperature fluctuations, making it a reliable material for long-term beekeeping equipment.

Will bees build burr comb inside the Super Shim?

Bees may build burr comb in any extra space within a hive, especially during strong nectar flows. Proper placement and seasonal use help minimize burr comb, and any comb that is built can typically be removed during routine hive inspections if desired.

Winter Feeding

Space for Fondant

During cold months, bees often cluster tightly to stay warm and can’t move far to reach stored honey. Fondant—placed directly above the cluster—gives them an energy source they can access without breaking their cluster.

In the Fondant Shim® configuration, the 3-in-1 Super Shim® creates the ideal amount of space to place fondant directly on top of the frames while still maintaining proper clearance for the cover. This helps improve winter feeding efficiency, reduces moisture buildup from improvised feeding methods, and allows beekeepers to quickly check and replenish fondant with minimal disturbance to the colony.

Upper hive Entrance

Boost Foraging Efficiency

Adding one or more upper entrances between the queen excluder and honey supers gives bees an easier, more direct access to the honey storage area. The hole allows bees to bypass the brood nest and travel quickly to the honey supers, which can help in speeding nectar processing and possibly increasing honey production.

Every Super Shim comes with a one hole section for easy interchangeability. The hole is about 5/8 inch in diameter

  • Provides bees a shorter route directly to honey storage, which may improve efficiency and honey filling of the supers.
  • Increases airflow and ventilation in the hive, aiding in honey drying and reducing moisture.
  • Can help bees bypass the brood area and avoid congestion during nectar flow.
Watch our Video

A Breath of Fresh Air for Your Colony

Hive Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential for a healthy hive. Notice the large number of bees fanning at the entrance of the hive on the right—a sign they're working hard to regulate airflow and temperature.

That's why the 3-IN-1 Super Shim™ was designed to improve ventilation, helping bees spend less time cooling the hive and more time building a thriving colony.