2nd yr keeper.
Situation: I've got a hive constructed of two deeps. Sitting above these is a shallow box, no frames. Used this shallow as a spacer while feeding sugar water early spring. Was not able to check on this hive for an extended period. Just visited it and found as I tried to open the top that the bees have built a substantial amount of beautiful free-forming comb attached to, and hanging from, the inner cover. It was covered with bees. It was a quick peek as I wasn't sure what to do with the situation, so I don't know if the comb is being used for honey storage and/or if there is brood rearing going on in this comb. The bee population is really strong in this hive.
My plan was to put a honey super on top, but with this comb attached to the inner cover, I guess I'd have to break the comb off the inner cover and then discard it(?) in order to put a super on and re-cover(?). Other options? I thought maybe placing a super underneath the shallow spacer and leave the comb attached to the inner cover alone(?).
Another option I guess is to just leave it alone for the season and let them continue to build in and utilize this space void as they already have started...I figure in order to at least check the below deeps I can lift the shallow with lid/comb off at the same time to get below.
Thanks in advance for any advice/ideas...
Situation: I've got a hive constructed of two deeps. Sitting above these is a shallow box, no frames. Used this shallow as a spacer while feeding sugar water early spring. Was not able to check on this hive for an extended period. Just visited it and found as I tried to open the top that the bees have built a substantial amount of beautiful free-forming comb attached to, and hanging from, the inner cover. It was covered with bees. It was a quick peek as I wasn't sure what to do with the situation, so I don't know if the comb is being used for honey storage and/or if there is brood rearing going on in this comb. The bee population is really strong in this hive.
My plan was to put a honey super on top, but with this comb attached to the inner cover, I guess I'd have to break the comb off the inner cover and then discard it(?) in order to put a super on and re-cover(?). Other options? I thought maybe placing a super underneath the shallow spacer and leave the comb attached to the inner cover alone(?).
Another option I guess is to just leave it alone for the season and let them continue to build in and utilize this space void as they already have started...I figure in order to at least check the below deeps I can lift the shallow with lid/comb off at the same time to get below.
Thanks in advance for any advice/ideas...