December and January are peak months for nectar flow in Australia and New Zealand, with many regions experiencing abundant blooms and rapid honey storage in active colonies. A strong nectar flow is a golden opportunity for beekeepers to maximise honey production — but only if hive space and seasonal management are handled correctly. During this period, understanding why and when to add hive supers and selecting the right beekeeping supplies can make a significant difference in honey yields and colony health. In this guide, we explore practical steps to manage nectar flow effectively and suggest key products to support your summer beekeeping efforts.
What Is Nectar Flow & Why It Matters
A nectar flow occurs when flowers release abundant nectar and bees collect and store it as honey. During a strong flow, bees can quickly fill available space in the hive — especially in the honey supers — increasing the risk of congestion, reduced brood space, or even swarming if hive management lags.
Understanding this process allows beekeepers to respond strategically:
-
Provide extra storage space (supers) before congestion becomes a problem
-
Maintain colony health with space for brood and food stores
-
Maximise honey harvest potential without harming the colony
How to Manage Hive Supers During Summer Nectar Flow
Managing hive supers effectively involves timing, inspection, and careful use of beehives and beekeeping supplies.
When to Add a Honey Super
A super is a box placed above the brood chamber to give bees space to store surplus honey.
Add a super when:
-
Bees have filled most of the current space with drawn comb and honey
-
You see bees actively returning with nectar
-
You observe capped honey cells near the top of the existing hive stack
Adding space too early can waste resources; adding it too late can lead to congestion and increase the risk of swarming.
Step-by-Step: Adding a Super
-
Inspect the hive — check brood pattern, honey stores and overall colony strength
-
Prepare the super — ensure frames and foundation are clean and ready
-
Position the super — place it directly above the brood boxes
-
Monitor activity — during nectar peaks, check weekly to ensure supers are being utilised
Seasonal Hive Management Tips
Here are some practices to make the most of the summer nectar flow:
-
Space management: don’t let the brood chamber get overcrowded — it’s a common trigger for swarming. Add supers proactively.
-
Inspect regularly: weekly or bi-weekly checks can catch congestion early.
-
Swarm prevention: consider splitting strong hives or adding supers to give bees breathing room.
-
Honey harvesting timing: start planning harvesting before supers are completely full to avoid stress.
Top Beekeeping Supplies for Nectar Flow & Super Management
Selecting the right beehives and tools now can save time and boost honey yield later.
Recommended Beehives & Equipment
-
Ozee Premium Langstroth Beehive Kit — robust, modular beehives perfect for summer management and adding supers.
-
Ozee Medium Hive Supers — ideal size for honey collection and easier handling when heavy.
-
Ozee Frame Gripper & Hive Tool Set — essential for safe frame handling and hive inspections.
Handy Beekeeping Supplies
-
Ozee Protective Bee Suit & Gloves — stay safe and confident while handling active hives.
-
Ozee Queen Excluder — optional tool to keep the brood chamber separate from honey storage frames. (Useful in multi-super setups.)
-
Ozee Smoker & Fuel Bundle — calm bees for smooth inspection and super installation.
List: Summer Nectar Flow Beekeeping Checklist
-
Inspect colonies weekly
-
Add supers when top brood box is ~70–80% filled
-
Prepare extra frames and foundation
-
Check for signs of swarming
-
Use queen excluder if preferred
-
Maintain beehive hygiene and ventilation
FAQ: Nectar Flow & Hive Super Management
Q1: What exactly is a super in beekeeping?
A super is a hive box placed above the brood chamber that provides extra space for bees to store surplus honey during peak nectar flow.
Q2: How many supers should I add during the summer nectar flow?
Start with one super and add additional ones as needed — especially if supers begin filling faster than bees can process honey.
Q3: Do I need a queen excluder when adding supers?
A queen excluder can help keep the queen from laying eggs in honey supers, but some beekeepers prefer not to use one because it can slightly affect bee movement.
Q4: How often should I inspect hives during peak nectar flow?
Weekly inspections are ideal during strong nectar flows so you can react quickly to congestion or swarm signals.
Q5: Can adding too many supers harm my hive?
Too much unused space can make temperature regulation harder for the bees. Add supers gradually and monitor utilisation before adding more.
Conclusion
Summer nectar flow is one of the most productive times in the beekeeping calendar, but it also demands active management. By understanding when and why to add hive supers, inspecting regularly, and using the right beehives and beekeeping supplies, you can boost honey yields, keep your colonies healthy, and reduce events like swarming.
Maximise this nectar flow with Ozee’s trusted range of supplies — from robust beehives to essential beekeeping tools — and make this season one of your best yet.