[W. Peters]

Just checked on a hive that has been limping along this summer without a queen. Observed worms eating their way through the wax. Pretty gross and I don't have any desire to save the honey that is still remaining. I think the time has come to abandon the hive and try again with a split or swarm next year from one of my other 3 hives that are doing really good this year. Question - what is the best way to break down the hive? Do I need to scrape all the comb down to the plastic, or is there any way to save it? Is it ok to allow the other hives to rob the remaining honey or will it contaminate the good honey in the other hives? Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Fuzzy]

if it is a disgusting mess already then I would scrape it off with the flat end of the hive tool, into the garbage. if it is only a minor mess then you can freeze it to kill the moths, eggs, and larva.
Would suggest that you purchase some zentari from Sundance in the for sale forum and spray down the comb to prevent re-infestation.

 

[D Coates]

How big is this hive? If it's one deep I recommend you freeze the frames to kill the wax moths and larva then simply drop in on top of a full strength hive. They will clean up the dead, repair the combs and adjust the honey such that they can use it for the upcoming winter. If it's a two deep hive do this with two full strength hives. Don't let the moths finish up what they started, it's a waste of perfectly good resourses.