Removing bees from Top Bar Hive combs relies on two distinct approaches depending on your timing and preference for speed. You can either manually brush the bees off the comb for immediate containment or utilize a passive evacuation method at dusk.
The most direct method is brushing bees off the comb and immediately sealing it in a container. Alternatively, placing combs near the hive at dusk allows bees to return home naturally, provided the comb contains no brood.
Method 1: The Direct Approach (Brushing)
Immediate Removal
This is the quickest method for harvesting. You remove the chosen comb from the hive and physically brush the bees off the surface.
Containment is Key
Once the bees are brushed off, the comb must be placed immediately into a sealed container or taken indoors. This prevents the bees from returning to the comb or initiating robbing behavior.
Method 2: The Passive Approach (Dusk Evacuation)
Timing the Harvest
This method relies on natural bee behavior and must be conducted at dusk, just before dark.
Positioning the Comb
Remove the comb and set it approximately 5 to 10 feet away from the hive. Because it is getting dark, the bees will naturally seek the safety of their colony and evacuate the honeycomb to return to the hive.
The Brood Constraint
This method has a critical limitation: it only works if there is no brood in the comb. If brood is present, nurse bees will refuse to abandon the larvae, and the evacuation method will fail.
Strategic Comb Selection
Locating the Harvestable Honey
In a Top Bar Hive, harvest-ready combs are typically located at the end of the hive farthest from the brood nest.
Inspecting for Capping
It is vital to select combs that are fully capped. Often, the last couple of combs in the hive are not fully capped; these should be left for the bees. You will usually find the fully capped, harvest-ready combs a few bars further in.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Speed vs. Disturbance
Brushing is fast and efficient, allowing you to finish the harvest quickly. However, it is more invasive and physically agitates the bees more than the passive method.
Simplicity vs. Conditions
The Dusk/Evacuation method is less labor-intensive regarding bee removal. However, it requires precise timing and is strictly limited to honey-only combs, as the presence of brood renders it ineffective.
Making the Right Choice for Your Harvest
To ensure a successful harvest, choose the method that aligns with your specific constraints:
- If your primary focus is speed and efficiency: Use the brushing method to clear combs and seal them immediately.
- If your primary focus is minimizing agitation: Use the dusk method to allow bees to leave the comb voluntarily.
- If you suspect brood is present in the honey super: You must use the brushing method, as bees will not abandon brood.
Select the method that balances your need for efficiency with the temperament of your hive.
Summary Table:
| Method | Speed | Best Timing | Key Requirement | Bee Agitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Brushing | Fast | Any time during day | Sealed container for comb | High |
| Passive Evacuation | Slow | Dusk (near dark) | Comb must be brood-free | Low |
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