Harvesting honey from fixed comb hives

Honey from fixed comb hives (log hives)

Equipment for harvesting fixed comb hives usually consists of a container in which to carry away the honey and a means of making smoke to subdue the bees (like a bundle of sticks and grass [this is now replaced by smokers now days]). Wait until the flame is extinguished before gently blowing smoke into the hive.

Most local style tropical African hives are cylindrical and can be harvested without the beekeeper needing any protective clothing. As the beekeeper blows smoke into one end of the hive, the bees move down to the other end and the combs at the first end can be removed with relatively little disturbance to the bees. If the beekeeper finds the brood at the opened end, they will have to close that end and open the other end instead.

Beekeepers sometimes use too much smoke, and even fire, to harvest from fixed comb hives. This can destroy a large proportion of the colony and drastically reduce the quality of honey. The aim should be always to preserve the colony. Do not disturb the brood nest anymore than necessary.

Note: Honey is the bees’ food. Only take surplus honey and leave the rest for them. Never harvest in the rain: this would cause great stress for the honey bee colony and increase the water content of the honey.