chewed up comb

[Irmo]

I extracted a number of frames this weekend (first time) a set the wet frames out for the bees to clean up. I was surprised to see that the bees chewed up the comb on a couple of frames while cleaning it. In some cases they ate furrows into the comb and in one spot they just cleared away most of the wax leaving a thin veil of comb. These combs were drawn on wax foundation. So, is that normal behavior (chewing up some of the comb) and will they just repair it next year when I put it back on the hive?

[Riskybizz]

When you just set the wet comb out to allow the bees to 'clean up" you allowed a feeding frenzy to most likely take place with bees fighting over the honey. When they do this they have little regard for preserving the comb. Next time just place the combs in an empty box and set in on top of a hive allow the bees to clean up, that way there won't bees fighting over the goods.

[Irmo]

You are correct. There was most definitely a frenzy. Here's the rest of the story (since it's mildly amusing). I actually don't have an extra box. A situation I will correct post haste. Also, my hives are not at my home (homeowners association) they are at a nearby nature preserve. So I was left with the question of where to put the frames for cleaning since I had no extra box and couldn't keep an eye on things out at the preserve easily. I have a patch of mint in my yard and noticed a few bees working the mint. Apparently these bees are not HOA members. Anyway I decided it would be a great idea to put my wet frames into a couple of cardboard boxes my nucs arrived in lastt spring and just open the top and bottom. I also spread the cappings on a cookie tray after letting them drain a while and put them out there. Well, word of free honey travels fast in bee circles. In a couple of hours I had what seemed like a million bees out there. Yes, "frenzy" is a good word. The girls keep things very tidy at home, but out in the world fighting for free honey, they sure are a bunch of slobs. There was wax everywhere when they were done. It was clean wax, but it was thrown everywhere. I definitely won't do that again.