The procedure is a simple, two-step mechanical reset. After the honey has completely finished draining, you must return the comb cells to their original, intact position. This is done by inserting the Flow Key into the top slot of the frame and turning it 90 degrees, which realigns all the individual cell parts.
The core principle is a hand-off from beekeeper to bee. Your only job is to mechanically reset the frame; the bees will then instinctively take over, clean the cells, and begin the honey-making process all over again.
The Two-Step Reset Procedure
Once you are certain the honey flow has stopped, the process to prepare the frame for the bees is straightforward and happens outside the hive, without disturbing the colony.
Step 1: Insert the Flow Key
Take the long Flow Key that you used to harvest the honey. Insert it fully into the top slot of the Flow Frame.
This upper slot is specifically for resetting the mechanism. Using the bottom harvest slot will not work.
Step 2: Turn the Key to Realign the Cells
Turn the key 90 degrees. You should feel a slight click or shift as the two halves of each honeycomb cell move back into vertical alignment, forming a complete, hexagonal cell shape again.
This single turn completes your part of the job. The frame is now ready to be put back into the super for the bees to use.
What Happens Inside the Hive Next?
Resetting the frame is the trigger for the colony to begin its work. The bees will immediately notice the empty, repaired comb.
The Bees' Role: Cleaning and Repairing
The bees' first task is to clean up. They will move into the cells, chewing away any remaining wax cappings from the previous harvest.
They will repair any minor imperfections and ensure the cells are pristine and ready for use.
Restarting Honey Production
Once the cells are clean, the bees will begin to refill them with nectar. This cycle repeats continuously throughout the nectar flow season.
This seamless process is the core benefit of the Flow system—the bees can restart production almost immediately without having to rebuild the entire comb from scratch.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
While the process is simple, a few common errors can disrupt the cycle. Being aware of them ensures a smooth operation.
Forgetting to Reset the Frames
If you forget to reset a frame, the cells remain offset and broken. The bees cannot use them to store honey and may try to fill the gaps with propolis or burr comb, creating a mess that is difficult to clean up later.
Incomplete Reset
Ensure you turn the key the full 90 degrees until it stops. An incomplete turn may leave cells partially misaligned, preventing the bees from using them efficiently.
Resetting Before Draining is Complete
Patience is key. If you reset the frame while honey is still draining, it will trap honey within the cell mechanism, making it sticky and potentially difficult for the bees to clean.
Making the Right Choice for Your Colony
Your goal is to make the transition from "harvested" to "ready for nectar" as seamless as possible for the bees.
- If your primary focus is maximum honey yield: Reset the frames promptly and correctly as soon as they are fully drained to give your bees immediate access to begin refilling.
- If your primary focus is colony health and low maintenance: Double-check that every frame is fully reset before closing the hive to prevent the bees from wasting energy on unnecessary repairs or building burr comb.
By correctly resetting the frame, you complete your partnership with the bees, allowing them to continue their work with maximum efficiency.
Summary Table:
| Step | Action | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the Flow Key | Insert fully into the top slot of the frame. |
| 2 | Turn the Key 90 Degrees | Turn until you feel a click to realign the honeycomb cells. |
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