twobees
05-29-2009, 06:26 PM
Hello, I would like to know what to do next. The hives have been sitting for 3 yrs. - long story but no one is at fault. I have been cleaning out the dead hives & trying to fix the live ones. Today, I opened one up (with a crow bar!) & found the top hive of 3 deeps crammed with comb (8 frames - comb tied with twine). Lots of bees & they were all busy. I don't know what's in the bottom 2 yet. OK, so I took all of the 8 frames out dripping with honey - not a single cell capped except for about 12 drone cells - replaced them with clean frames & new foundation. I could see the top of the frames of the 2nd layer hive & it was also covered with uncapped comb full of honey. Here's the question: What do I do with the 8 frames of uncapped comb? I couldn't get most of the bees off so I set them all down by the entrance but if I leave them there that will encourage robbing. I need to move the drippy frames after dusk when the bees aren't looking. What do I do with them so that the bees can use the honey & wax - the comb is beautiful but all over the place & I had to cut it to get the frames out. I'm really new at this and I have zero experience - I was kinda thrown in feet first. I've been reading, reading & asking questions but I didn't find any reference to this kind of situation. The local beekeepers are really busy & I'm clueless. Thanks a lot.