New Frames

[Thunder9]

I have bought some new equipment from someone who got out of beekeeping about two years ago, and just now selling his equipment. The med. body's have the wood frames with foundation coated with bees wax. During the summer the bees drew out the first super and filled it with capped honey. They never touched the next empty at all during the rest of the summer and fall. I have removed them, and left the first full supper for them to over winter. Any sugestions on using these come spring?

[BigDru]

One trick I have used has been to lightly brush melted wax over the foundation thats not being used. The workers got busy cleaning it up and built new comb on it.

[Thunder9]

Thanks. I'll try that. Someone told me to try spraying surar water on them, but had no luck.

[Countryboy]

Are these plastic foundations or wax foundations? if it is plastic foundation, it can help to rewax them.

If these unused foundations are wax foundation, do NOT put any melted wax on them. That will just melt holes in the foundation if you aren't careful.

I have purchased frames with undrawn foundation that had been sitting in a barn unused for 20+ years. The bees draw out the foundation just fine. If they haven't drawn it out yet, it is because they haven't needed to use it yet.

[Thunder9]

They are plastic, wax coated. Will try to recoat with new wax. Thanks.