Removing an ideal from flow hive

1

I am after some information about removing an ideal from my flow hive. I have had bees for 3 years now and I’m always learning.

In late Spring I added an ideal for bees (on top of flow super) to fill so that I could then store it for the summer then return it to the hive and leave them with the ideal (less flow frames) for our winter period.

The bees have well and truly filled the ideal and Ive harvested flow frames multiple times since December as sunflower fields on our property are in full bloom and flow frames fill in no time. My problem is that the bees are rather cranky whenever I’m inspecting the hive and I am not sure how to remove the ideal in a way to reduce stress on myself and the bees.

I am now feeling very much like a novice and not sure what to do next. The other issue is that I have started reacting badly to stings which heightens my anxiety and I’m sure the bees are aware of that !

In hindsight I don’t think an ideal was even necessary in my climate and I could have managed with one ! I’m in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Marnie

2

An ideal is useful for winter stores in cooler areas or when there’s a dearth. If you have the capacity to freeze the frames to kill wax moth/SHB eggs/larvae and to store safely from other pests your plan could work. I suggest putting the ideal super on later in the season when there’s a flow and leave it until spring, or just leave it on all year.

You could install a clearer board under the ideal for up to two days prior to removing it. Clearer boards are a one way valve that allows the bees to head down but not back up. Over a day or two, it will be close to empty of bees. Place the clearer board above the super that’s staying (Flow frames) and put the ideal on top. The bees can keep working the Flow and you won’t disturb them when it’s time to remove the ideal. Don’t leave it on too long or you could have wax moth/SHB problem to deal with.

Mike

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