Removing bees from Flow super after harvest

Hi all,

This is my second year using the flow hive. I live in Minnesota and need to remove my flow hive in August. How do I remove the bees out of my flow hive after harvest? Last year I set the empty flow hive out in my yard and let the foragers return to their hive, but that was not a good idea because it attracted bees from other hives and other insects. Do you use a fume board to drive the bees down to the brood boxes, use a bee escape, or another method I haven’t thought of yet? Thank you all, I really appreciate it.

Escape board is a good option

I shake the bees off into the hive, but a bee escape also works as long as you only leave it on for 2 days or less. Longer than that and they will find a way back up into the super.

If there are still bees on after shaking, you can leave the frames out at sunset, then put them away after dark. If the frames are exposed, the bees usually will not stay on them over night unless there is brood in them. Robbing does not happen in the dark of night either :wink:

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@Phillip.lust and @Dawn_SD Thank you! Very helpful ideas.

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I should add that I like an escape board as it is non chemical and uses the bees natural beehavior (couldn’t resist) against them. But leave it on only about 24 hours. Longer than 2 nights and you risk them learning how to get back up. And no need to thank but appreciate it. We try to support each other in our learning journey.