Every hive, beekeeper and location is different, so other beekeepers may have additional suggestions for harvesting honey. Take time to experiment to find the system that works best for you and your hives. What are some of your go-to tips for harvesting honey? Let us know! Stop by the store location near you for more information or to find the perfect tools. You must be logged in to post a comment. Home » Blog » 7 Tips for Harvesting Honey. Skip to secondary content. First nectar flow: mid-April to end of May e.
Harvesting is best done at the end of the flow and when the bees have capped the honey, as in the photo below: Frame Of Capped Honey. Honey Frames In Extractor. Filtering Honey Using 1. Honey Tank With Valve. Wotton-under-Edge Honey. Hive Two — Cleaned Wax Cappings. Share this:. Like this: Like Loading Thanks for kind words and please do reference this blog, links always appreciated. Thanks for the teachings, but please what is the interval for harvest?
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An 8-frame super box with all combs full of honey may weigh around 32 kg. Hives with two or more boxes and some stored honey will weigh much more. Beekeepers are encouraged to adopt correct manual handling techniques and to use mechanical lifting equipment when moving hives.
Information on suitable lifting equipment is available from beekeeping supply shops and beekeeping journals. If you require further information or assistance, please contact the Customer Service Centre on or email: honeybee. Protective clothing and equipment It is important to wear protective clothing that is smooth and light-coloured because bees react unfavourably to dark or woolly material.
Beekeeping hat Ventilated helmets are available from beekeeping supply shops. Dark felt hats and floppy hats should be avoided. Bee veil A folding wire veil fitted to a firm hat keeps its shape and this ensures a good separation between the beekeeper's face and the bees outside the veil. Black cotton veils are cheaper than folding veils but can be easily blown against the face.
Beekeeping coveralls and bee suits Most beekeepers wear khaki or white coveralls fitted with elastic cuffs and wrist bands. Beekeeping gloves Gloves, usually vinyl or plastic coated, must be strong but also pliable to allow movement of the fingers when lifting boxes and frames. Footwear Elastic sided boots are commonly worn because they cover the ankles. Bee stings Anyone who keeps honey bees will receive a bee sting sooner or later.
Dealing with bee stings Removing the sting Remove the sting as quickly as possible to minimise the amount of venom injected. Apply appropriate medication to the sting site if required, to minimise pain. Bee inside your veil It is important to remain calm. When a bee stings through clothing Remain calm.
Bee smoker Effect of smoke on bees Smoke stimulates bees to gorge honey or nectar. Lighting the smoker Place a small amount of newspaper in the bottom of the barrel of the smoker and light it. Frequent use of the bellows will keep the fire alight provided fuel is added as required. To avoid burns, keep the hot barrel of the smoker away from you. How to extinguish the smoker fire Empty the smouldering smoker fuel and ash into a bucket of water. Restrictions affecting use of smokers A smoker must not be used on a day of Total Fire Ban unless you have a permit.
Because bee smokers are considered to be a fire in the open, the following restrictions apply during these periods: Smokers should only be lit on ground that is bare of combustible material for 3 metres or in a fire proof receptacle such as a steel bucket. A knapsack or water extinguisher, containing no less than 9 litres of water, and a rake hoe or fire rake should be located as close as practical to the lit smoker. When the smoker is not being operated, it should be placed in the fire proof receptacle.
A person must be in attendance of a lit smoker at all times. There is good daylight — avoid very dull periods. Bees are flying to and from the hive. Foragers returning to the hive may have pollen pellets on their hind legs. The following points provide a guide for opening the hive and examining combs: Stand at the side of the hive so that sunlight shines over your shoulders.
When examining a comb, this position allows the sun to shine directly into the cells. Direct 5 to 6 puffs of smoke into the hive entrance so that the smoke circulates inside the hive. Never open a hive unless smoke has been applied. Wait about 1 minute for the smoke to reach its maximum effect — then direct a few more puffs into the entrance. Use the hive tool to lift the cover lid about 20 mm at one corner and direct 3 to 4 puffs of smoke over the hive mat if present or top bars of the frames.
Remove the lid and the hive mat and at the same time direct a few puffs of smoke between the frames. Use the hive tool to separate 1 of the side frames next from the hive wall and the adjoining frame. Lift the side frame out of the box and stand it on end at the opposite front corner so that it does not block the hive entrance and obstruct forager bees.
There is now room to separate the remaining frames and remove them to inspect the combs as necessary. Failure to separate frames will result in bees being rolled and crushed as each frame is lifted out of the box.
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