[e-spice]

I finally have a decent bit of honey comb saved up. I'm talking about empty honey comb after honey is extracted. Assuming brood is kept out of honey comb with excluders, how long does honey comb typically last?

Thanks in advance for any information.

 

[Honeyeater]

You should keep it at room temperature and it should last until you eat it.

In this household, that’s not very long now matter how big the chunk is.

 

[e-spice]

You should keep it at room temperature and it should last until you eat it.

In this household, that’s not very long now matter how big the chunk is.

Sorry - I meant empty honey comb that is used year after year. Thanks for the reply though.

 

[Vance G]

I keep mine forever. Old black brood comb is another matter. I take that out of service if lots of drone comb is present or brood disease reoccurs on it. I know of no science about buildup of pesticides on white extraction combs and that would be the only reason to take it out of service.

 

[GregB]

how long does honey comb typically last?.

Indefinitely.

 

[crofter]

You may notice gradually a few more pollen filled cells but that is of little issue. To some of my customers, extra pollen would be a bonus! multi year comb usually is drawn full depth and easy to uncapped. Not an issue but I only have honey supers up to 8 seasons.

 

[Gray Goose]

I have a few frames that are close to 15 years old.

if it looks good reuse it.

If it don't, melt it, and clean the frame re do the starter and give it a new go

GG

 

[e-spice]

Not trying to dissuade future comments but wanted to thank everyone for the good information!

 

[Roland]

Although we can accurately date some of our supers to WWII(hardwood frame rests), we believe we have some frames still in service from the 1960's. The top bars end in a little "tit" to reduce propolos sticking. How long they last is not the same as how long they are usefull. Per Judy Wu-Smart, bees move pesticide residues with their feet around the hive very quickly. It is all possible that those white honey frames are almost as contaminated as the dark brood frames.

Crazy Roland

 

[odfrank]

I have supers/comb I got 50 years ago and many supers of comb I made in the '70's. They have brought in a crop every year since then. I am still making new supers and combs.

 

[My-smokepole]

I would be surprised if some of my frames are 50 years old. I bought out a beekeeper stuff. Some of the frames that I cleaned out had aluminum fondantion.

 

[AstroZomBEE]

After extracting hold the frame up in direct line with a light source. The opaqueness should be an off white to nice golden brown. Once it starts getting darker, or the light doesn't shine through the extracted comb anymore i would melt the wax and start a new foundation in the frame.

Aaron