41. Harvesting Honey From The Beehive :

Kanna Das
May 26, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Collecting Honeycombs from the Hive: A Calm, Careful Process

Harvesting honeycombs is one of the most satisfying moments in beekeeping. It is also a task that rewards patience, preparation, and a gentle approach. When done correctly, collecting honeycombs causes minimal stress to the bees and sets the colony up for continued health and productivity.

Preparing for the Task

Begin by choosing the right day. A warm, dry day with mild weather is ideal, preferably during mid-morning or early afternoon when many foragers are out collecting nectar. Avoid cold, windy, or rainy conditions, as bees are more defensive then.

Before approaching the hive, gather all equipment: protective clothing, smoker with cool white smoke, hive tool, bee brush, spare frames (or empty combs), a clean food-grade container with a tight lid, and a clean cloth or towel. Preparation reduces time spent with the hive open, which bees appreciate.

Light the smoker well in advance so the smoke is steady and cool. Rushing this step is a common beginner mistake.

Opening the Hive and Handling Combs

Approach the hive calmly from the side or rear. Apply a few gentle puffs of smoke at the entrance, wait a minute, then open the lid slowly. Smoke works by masking alarm pheromones, encouraging bees to retreat into the hive.

Remove frames one at a time, using the hive tool to gently loosen them. Hold frames over the hive so any falling bees drop back inside. Avoid sudden movements and never shake frames aggressively.

What to Look For

Only harvest frames that are mostly capped with wax. Capped cells indicate that the honey is ripe and has low moisture content, which helps prevent fermentation. A common rule of thumb is to harvest frames that are at least 80 per cent capped.

Check carefully for the queen. She is usually in the brood box, not the honey supers, but always confirm before removing a frame. Also, ensure there is no brood on the frame; honey frames should contain only honey.

Leave sufficient honey behind for the bees, especially if it is late in the season. Responsible harvesting prioritises colony survival over yield.

Safely Removing the Combs

Once a suitable frame is identified, gently brush or shake the bees back into the hive. Use slow, deliberate movements. Place the frame immediately into your covered container to prevent robbing by other bees and contamination by dust or insects.

Keep harvested frames shaded and covered at all times.

Replacing Empty Combs

Replace removed frames with empty drawn comb or frames fitted with foundation. Drawn comb is especially valuable, as it allows bees to resume honey storage quickly. Ensure frames are placed correctly and evenly spaced to maintain good comb structure.

Final Checks Before Closing the Hive

Before closing the hive, check that frames are aligned properly and that no bees are trapped between boxes. Replace the inner cover and lid gently. A final light puff of smoke can help move bees out of the way.

Observe the hive entrance for a few minutes. Normal activity returning quickly is a good sign.

A Practical Warning About Heavy Honey Boxes

One of the most underestimated risks in beekeeping is the weight of honey boxes. A full Langstroth honey super can weigh 25 to 35 kilograms, sometimes more after a strong nectar flow. Lifting such weight awkwardly, repeatedly, or without preparation can easily lead to back strain, hernias, shoulder injuries, or long-term joint problems. Many experienced beekeepers will tell you that it is not the bees that end their beekeeping careers, but their backs.

Before lifting any box, pause and assess its weight. If it feels too heavy, it probably is. There is no shame in removing frames one at a time to reduce weight or asking for help. Working slowly protects both your body and the bees.

Use proper lifting technique: stand close to the hive, keep your back straight, bend at the knees, and lift using your legs rather than your back. Avoid twisting while holding a box; turn your whole body instead. Keep the box close to your torso to maintain balance.

Consider practical aids such as hive stands at waist height, box handles, or mechanical lifts if you manage multiple hives. Protective clothing should allow free movement, not restrict bending or grip.

Above all, listen to your body. Beekeeping should remain a pleasure, not a source of preventable injury.

Transporting Combs to the Extracting Area

Carry harvested frames indoors as soon as possible to a clean, bee-proof extracting area. Avoid leaving frames outside, even briefly. Transport them in sealed containers to prevent attracting bees or ants. Extraction should ideally take place on the same day.