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Harvest honey

Harvest honey
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Observe and harvest honey safely with adult supervision and protective gear: inspect a hive, remove frames, uncap comb, then spin or strain honey to taste.

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Step-by-step guide to harvest honey safely

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Beekeeping 101: HOW TO HARVEST HONEY | Every step explained for beginner beekeepers!

What you need
Adult supervision required, bee brush, clean jars with lids, hive tool, honey extractor or large fine strainer and bowl, protective gear veil suit gloves, smoker and fuel, towels, uncapping knife or fork

Step 1

Put on your protective gear with an adult helping you to zip and fasten everything.

Step 2

Choose a calm sunny time of day to work with the hive when bees are usually gentle.

Step 3

Ask the adult to operate the smoker at the hive entrance to calm the bees.

Step 4

Use the hive tool to gently pry off the hive top and inner cover.

Step 5

Lift one frame straight up and hold it vertical to look for fully capped honey cells.

Step 6

Ask the adult to hand you a fully capped honey frame and place it in your clean tray.

Step 7

Gently brush any remaining bees back into the hive using the bee brush or give a small shake over the hive.

Step 8

Replace the other frames and close the hive top securely when you are done inspecting.

Step 9

Hold your capped frame over a bowl and use the uncapping knife or fork to remove the wax caps.

Step 10

Place an uncapped frame into the extractor basket if you have an extractor.

Step 11

Ask the adult to slowly spin the extractor so honey comes out of the frames into the bucket.

Step 12

If you do not have an extractor cut the comb into a clean bowl and pour it through cheesecloth or a fine strainer into a jar.

Step 13

Pour the strained honey into clean jars and seal the lids tightly.

Step 14

Ask the adult to check the honey for safety and then taste a small spoonful if it looks good.

Step 15

Share your finished honey harvest on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have the exact tools like an extractor, uncapping knife, or bee brush?

If you don't have an extractor or uncapping knife use the instruction 'If you do not have an extractor cut the comb into a clean bowl and pour it through cheesecloth or a fine strainer into a jar' and substitute a clean fork (already mentioned) and a soft paintbrush or feather for the bee brush.

What should we do if bees won't leave the frame or get agitated while we harvest?

If bees stay on the frame, follow the steps to 'Ask the adult to operate the smoker at the hive entrance' again and 'Gently brush any remaining bees back into the hive using the bee brush or give a small shake over the hive' while holding the frame vertical.

How can this activity be adjusted for different ages so it's safe and fun for everyone?

For younger children let them do safe jobs like 'place it in your clean tray' and 'hold your capped frame over a bowl' while adults handle the smoker and tools, and for older kids let them 'use the uncapping knife or fork' and 'place an uncapped frame into the extractor basket' under adult supervision.

How can we extend or personalize the harvest after we've poured honey into jars?

After you 'pour the strained honey into clean jars and seal the lids tightly,' save the wax caps to make beeswax candles and create decorated labels to share your finished honey harvest on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to harvest honey safely

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Learn About Bees & Honey for Kids | Pollination & Beekeeping | Educational Video for Kids

4 Videos

Facts about beekeeping for kids

🍯 A healthy hive can produce roughly 30–100 pounds (14–45 kg) of extra honey a year in a good season.

🕰️ Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that were still edible after thousands of years.

🔥 Beekeepers puff mild smoke into a hive because smoke masks alarm signals and helps calm the bees.

🐝 The waggle dance is how forager bees show other bees the direction and distance to flower patches!

🥽 Wearing a bee suit, veil, and gloves greatly reduces stings and keeps both kids and bees safer during harvests.

How do I safely observe and harvest honey with my child?

To observe and harvest honey safely, always work with an experienced adult. Put on a bee suit, veil and gloves, light the smoker, and approach calmly. Open the hive slowly and inspect frames one at a time. Use a hive tool to lift frames; brush bees gently off comb. Uncap wax with an uncapping knife, then use a hand or electric extractor or strain through a fine sieve to collect honey. Reseal and close the hive carefully, keeping children at a safe distance.

What materials and equipment do we need to harvest honey at home?

You'll need protective gear: a bee suit or jacket with veil, gloves, and closed shoes. Bring a smoker, fuel, hive tool, bee brush, and frames or supers to remove. For processing, use an uncapping knife or fork, extractor or honey strainer and fine mesh, clean jars with lids, labels, and a funnel. Also have a first-aid kit, allergy plan (epinephrine kit if needed), and cleaning supplies for sticky spills.

What ages are appropriate for children to participate in honey harvesting?

Harvesting honey is suitable for supervised children, but age and tasks should vary. Observation and gentle hive tours work well for ages 4–7. Children aged 8–12 can help with simple jobs like holding tools, brushing bees gently, and jar labeling. Teens (13+) can take part in un-capping and extracting under close adult guidance. Always assess the child's comfort, motor skills, and absence of bee allergies before assigning tasks.

What safety tips and benefits should parents know about child honey harvesting?

Benefits include hands-on science learning, responsibility, fine-motor skills, and a taste of where food comes from. Safety is critical: always use proper protective gear, have an experienced adult lead, know allergy risks and keep an epinephrine kit nearby. Use a smoker correctly, work slowly, and avoid sudden movements. Variations include observation-only visits, using a display hive, or having the adult remove frames while children help with uncapping and bottling.
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Harvest honey. Activities for Kids.