[mrbillz]

Started 2 hives this year on all pierco foundation. Noticed when I received it that the wax was soptty on the frames - like it got too hot and ran off - there was very little visible wax on the foundations though they smelled like beeswax. Have been coming across clumps of wax in the shipping box. The bees seem to be slow to draw out the outer frames in both colonies - could this be due to the quality of the wax coating, or ar they just taking their time? In other words, when pierco foundation is "waxed" is it a nice visible uniform coating?

Thanks, BS

 

[Michael Bush]

The Pierco I have looks like the sprayed it on. It wasn't real consistant, but it wasn't clumped anywhere either.

Sounds like maybe your's got hot somewhere? In a warehouse? On the way to your house? I don't know but that's what your description sounds like. If it's all clumped up and the cells are not nicely formed because of clumps of wax in them, then maybe that is part of their problem. They probably have to redo all the wax first and then get frustrated when they hit the plastic?

I'm not sure what you best course of action is. If you have a pot big enough and enough wax you could dip the whole frames (that are not being used by the bees) in wax and then shake it off well. (what a mess!)

You could just use a nail or something on those lines and go around the insides of the cells to get the clumps out.

 

[mrbillz]

Hi Michael,

Well the wax isn't clumped on the frames - the clumps were floating around in the box. If there is wax on the frames it is v e r y thin, probably irregular as well. Could I melt some and paint it on? I was wondering if this was why they didn't seem to want to do anything w/ those outer frames - 'spose I could sub in a frame that seemed to have a little more wax on it...

 

[Michael Bush]

It could be they just don't feel like doing anything.

If it's not clumped on the plastic then it's probably fine. You just need a film of it on the plastic. I'm afraid painting it on will clump up more, but you could try it and see what it does. My guess is that dipping it will get an even coat on it. Maybe painting will too. But probably if there is a thin layer it's good enough. Have you tried Honey Bee Healthy in syrup to spray on it? Or Lemongrass oil & honey mixed into the syrup? (same principle) Or even honey and water to make a watered down syrup?

 

[Clayton]

Hi,

I have use about 2500 frames / foundation of pierrco at one time before going small cell. I have found that the wax is usually thinly applied and not always even (must be trying to save a few $$$). Are you feeding the bees at this time? Here's a trick. Take one of the undrawn frames from the out side and place between two capped frames of brood. You must feed as this will divide the broodnest but the bees should draw it out very quickly. Some times the bees may construct cell on one side but they tear them down 90% of the time. This will open up the broodnest to give the queen a place to lay. What is happening is the population is declining at this time and waiting for new bees to emerge and the queen is hankered down waiting too as there is no place to go till these new bees expand the broodnest. This is a form of congestion and sometime, though rare bees will swarm. By placing the foundation to the center the bees will draw it out fast to give the queen laying room and she should take to it real quick. This will help the bees to get stronger as they will usually sit idle till the new bees make this expansion. Once this frame is drawn and half laid up do the other. I use this technique alot especialy with strains that are more inclined to swarm to open up when no combs are available. Also when baiting up and then foundation to the center.


Clay

 

[Michael Bush]

Another incentive to finish drawing it is that the queen will lay when the cells are only half way drawn and then they have to finish it for the brood.