First hive dead - what can I salvage...

**thegriffiths** · 01-29-2013, 09:07 PM

I had my first hive this last spring. I thought I was doing well all the way until October. Lets just say that I learned a lot about what not to do.

Now - 2 weeks ago, my hive was still alive and seemed to possibly be going to make it. Then we had 8 degree weather this last week and when I checked them today (68 degree weather) I found them all dead. They were clustered on the middle frames and look to have starved. I have learned that I should have moved the honey stores from the box just above them down to the deep.

My question is this: Can I use the comb that they left behind for my hive that I am getting this spring? There are dead bees (head first) in a couple frames. Pollen in quite a few frames - some that is turning moldy. And other frames that are clean and nice looking.

I dont see any damage from wax moths and no other disease issues.

What can I salvage? And how should I prepare them/store them for the new hive?

Thanks much!

Matt

**gscforester** · 01-29-2013, 10:32 PM

Save it all and reuse it, it will give your new bees a great headstart. It sounds as if they staved to death, the ones in the comb were probably looking for honey deep in the cell when they expired, just shake them out. I would probably bring any frames with honey inside if you have space to store them that isn't overly humid, I have also heard of people freezing them. Clean frames can be stored with paramoth crystals to keep moths at bay, but be sure to air them out before you use them again. The mold on the pollen I don't think will be a problem and will be cleaned up by the new batch of bees you install. Hope this helps.

**indypartridge** · 01-30-2013, 04:04 AM

Shake out the dead bees and add a new package of bees in the spring. With drawn comb, they should take off quickly. I've often got honey crops from packages started on drawn comb.

Depending on your winter temps, you'll probably have your new bees before wax moths become a problem. I just close up dead outs and leave them until spring.

**Adrian Quiney WI** · 01-30-2013, 06:12 AM

Matt if you don't have paramoth, don't want to use it, and have some space: The frames can be stored by putting them on some kind of rack, or hanging them where there is lots of air and light around each individual frame. Wax moths are creatures of the dark and stay away from open exposed frames. Frames with honey shouldn't be left out in the open as they will get robbed out on a warm day. A freezer is another alternative I've heard of for storing frames, but mine is never big enough. All the above being said - I don't know if small hive beetles are prevalent in your area and if you have to worry about them finding your frames?

**thegriffiths** · 01-30-2013, 07:54 PM

I am relieved to hear that I can use them. I will store them in our large freezer until time to put them to use.

Thank you all for the replies.

Matt

**Splatt** · 01-30-2013, 08:58 PM

I'm sorry your hive didn't make it.

I don't mean to change the subject, but do you really need to move honey stores around during the winter? It's been so dang cold here for so long I'm afraid to open the hive up and mess around with things.