What to do with frames.

[mbcpa]

I had a rough first year. I lost 4 of 5 hives. As a result, I have 8 deeps full of frames. When the bees died, I just threw the deeps in my garage. The frames contain everything from empty foundation, to honey, to pollen, to capped brood.

I don't have unlimited freezer space, but I could freeze them one deep at a time.

Is there any reason not to re-use the frames when I get my new bees? What would cause you to not put the old frames in a new package/nuc? Should I freeze them first? How long? Should I store them inside between now and then?

[snl]

Have you checked the frames lately for wax moth damage? If no damage and the bees did not die from AFB, I would use them as is when your bees arrive.

[RayMarler]

I would think the bees will arrive before you have probs with wax moth as they are warm weather friends. Store the boxes in cool area and use on the new bees when they arrive.

[mbcpa]

I don't need to freeze them? What if I see a little wax moth damage? Will freezing the frames make them usable?

[Vance G]

If you see lines like something burowing thru your combs and webs, you have wax moths and then freeze them. If you don't se damage, store in a cool place until your package arrives. The bees will fix anything short of big destroyed patches.

[mbcpa]

Do I need to remove the dead bees or will the new bees take care of it?

[jadell]

They'll handle it.

[mbcpa]

What about these? Is that wax moth damage? Would you use them after freezing them for a few days?

IMG_1648.jpg

IMG_1647.jpg

[Grant]

Freezing kills any wax moth larvae and eggs. Remove from the freezer after a minimum 24 hours and allow to attain room temperature. Store in a location that is wax moth free (like your basement) or seal up in plastic trash bags.

Turn your new bees loose and they'll clean them up.

Grant
Jackson, MO

[EarleB]

Yep those frames are showing wax moth damage.