What should be the status of honey supers before treating bees for pests in the fall?

Before treating bees for pests in the fall, it is crucial to remove honey supers from the hive. This is because many treatments used for pest control can contaminate the honey and make it unsafe for consumption. Honey supers contain honey that is intended for harvest, and if treatments are applied while these supers are on the hive, it risks tainting the honey with chemicals that are meant for pest management.

Additionally, removing the supers allows the beekeeper to focus on treating the brood and adult bees effectively. This practice ensures the treatment is applied directly to the bees and their living environment without the interference of supers that may impact both the efficacy of the treatment and the quality of the honey stored within. It is also important to allow the bees to clean and prepare for winter without the added weight and responsibility of managing excess honey that may not be needed during the colder months.