Can you use old comb for new bees?
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Can you use old comb for new bees?
In most cases, reusing comb from dead colonies is okay. If I am confident that what killed the hive is not the result of something contagious, like American Foulbrood, I save newer frames of comb for reuse. If you don’t know what killed your bees, you are better off not reusing the comb in another hive.
Can you use old honey comb?
The bees are very thorough. After they are done, the combs can be used for brood or honey production. It’s amazing, but no taste or smell of mold will remain on the combs. If you have more than one colony, you can divide the moldy frames between them, or you can give a few at a time.
What do I do with an old brood comb?
Old black comb should be cycled out of your hive over time. Some give it 2 years in the brood chamber, some give it 5 years. Whichever, old black comb should be replaced over time. The built up cocoons from all the bees makes the cells smaller, and carry more disease and chemicals over time.
Will bees store honey in old brood comb?
The bees will clean up any comb you give them and fill it with honey if they can. Don’t fret over previously brood combs filled with honey. If the brood comb is dark the honey may leach some color from the comb but otherwise it is 100\% usable.
Can you use old bee frames?
The comb, honey and frames may be used in the hive again. Bees will clean up a bit of mold, although by doing it for them they can focus their talents elsewhere, like pollination. If it is black mold, remove and trash the foundation (or melt for other uses). Clean the frames thoroughly, air out, freeze, and reuse.
Can you put new bees in an old hive?
Reestablishing winterkilled hives Spring colony splits Unless you’ve had extremely bad luck, some of the colonies probably survived the Winter. Depending on the strength of the surviving colonies, bees and brood can be taken from surviving colonies, along with a new queen, and put in refurbished winterkilled equipment.
Can you reuse brood comb?
Yes, II can reuse the comb. I believe it’s recommended to let the frames air out (from moth crystals) in the sun before closing them up in a hive.
When should I replace my brood comb?
Most researchers suggest replacing old comb in the hive every 5 or 6 years. Some beekeepers say it should be a much shorter time 3-4 years. But beekeepers realize that comb construction is an expensive undertaking for the colony. Energy used to produce wax could be used in other ways.
Will bees clean up old frames?
Don’t worry about leaving a few bees behind in the frames, the new bees will clean them out. Bees will clean up a bit of mold, although by doing it for them they can focus their talents elsewhere, like pollination. If it is black mold, remove and trash the foundation (or melt for other uses).