What does the term 'top supering' refer to in beekeeping?

The term 'top supering' refers to the practice of adding another super above the brood nest in a beehive. This method is employed to provide additional space for honey storage as the colony expands and begins to produce more honey. By placing a super on top of the existing boxes, beekeepers facilitate the natural behavior of bees, encouraging them to move upward into the new space to store honey.

This technique is especially important during the honey flow period when hive populations increase and foragers bring in nectar. Strategically supering from the top allows the bees to access the new super more easily since they naturally build upward. Additionally, it helps to prevent congestion within the brood nest, ensuring the queen has enough room to lay eggs and the colony can thrive.

In contrast, other options do not accurately describe 'top supering.' For instance, adding honey storage below the brood nest would not be considered supering because it goes against the typical management practices that prioritize accessing honey storage above the brood. Removing frames from the upper box does not align with the concept of adding space for honey storage. Creating a new colony refers to a different practice entirely, often involving splitting an existing colony rather than adding storage for honey.