As the golden days of late summer roll in, it’s the perfect time for beekeepers to reap the rewards of a season’s hard work. Honey harvesting in late summer is not only about collecting nature’s liquid gold—it’s also about ensuring the health and sustainability of your hive.

Why Late Summer?

By late summer, most nectar flows have slowed, and bees have had ample time to convert nectar into honey and cap it with wax. This capping is a key sign that the honey is ready—moisture levels are low enough to prevent fermentation, making it safe for long-term storage.

Signs It’s Time to Harvest

• Capped Honeycombs: At least 80% of the cells should be capped.

• Heavy Supers: Full honey supers will feel noticeably heavy.

• Reduced Nectar Flow: Bees are no longer actively foraging as much, signaling the end of the main honey flow.

Harvesting Tips

• Choose a warm, dry day to reduce moisture in the honey.

• Use a bee escape board or gentle brushing to clear bees from the frames.

• Extract promptly to avoid wax moths or fermentation.

Leave Enough for the Bees

Always remember: your bees need honey too. In colder climates, a hive may need 60–90 pounds of honey to survive the winter. Only harvest the surplus.

Late summer honey is often rich, dark, and full of complex flavors—a true reflection of the season’s diverse blooms. Enjoy the fruits of your bees’ labor, and toast to a successful season!