Advice on propolis

[Mamahilz]

I have opened one of my hives (on a really warm day) to find it stuck with toffee-like propolis everywhere. I couldn't move the frames and the end one started to break. I managed to get the second one out just, but decided to abandon the job when the third and fourth were also stuck down so much. Any bright ideas to help me??

 

[For want of a better word]

Leave it until you can comfortably sit on the ground sans trousers!!!....
then go in prepared with a long J tool and a bucket to put the scrapings in.. shake the bees off before cleaning up... and replace that broken frame.
There seems to be a market for propolis.

Yeghes da

 

[theeggman]

I have opened one of my hives (on a really warm day) to find it stuck with toffee-like propolis everywhere. I couldn't move the frames and the end one started to break. I managed to get the second one out just, but decided to abandon the job when the third and fourth were also stuck down so much. Any bright ideas to help me??

I'm with Icanhopit that it's too early yet BUT how many frames are in the brood box, do you use a dummy board? I use 11 real frames and 1 dummy board, you can squeeze 12 Hoffman in but can't get them out.

The dummy "should" come out fairly easily and create space to separate the other frames, and at worst you rip the top-bar off the dummy board but don't damage the 'real' frames. With the space created by the absent dummy you can 'slide' the others apart and remove.

 

[itma]

Excess prop is often a sign of wrong beespace or draughts.
Some bees do propolise more than others, but you should examine that hive for possible beespace or frame-spacing errors.

When it is warm, propolis is sticky but fluid.
But when it is cold it is like (set) glue and you risk breaking things when trying to pry them apart. No need to rush and attack it on a cold day.

 

[jonnybeegood]

I have opened one of my hives (on a really warm day) to find it stuck with toffee-like propolis everywhere. I couldn't move the frames and the end one started to break. I managed to get the second one out just, but decided to abandon the job when the third and fourth were also stuck down so much. Any bright ideas to help me??

Whereabouts are you, when has there been a really warm day?

 

[sbisme]

It's says Oxfordshire in Mamahilz profile.

 

[masterBK]

Vaseline frame contact points eg runners & edges of hoffmans. Long term breed out the collection & use of excessive propolis

 

[For want of a better word]

Vaseline frame contact points eg runners & edges of hoffmans. Long term breed out the collection & use of excessive propolis

Did I see a thread some time ago about a chap concentrating on propolis production.... Lb for Lb worth more than honey!

Food for thought???

Yeghes da

 

[Finman]

.
Do nothing. It is just propolis. Normal bees' habit.

 

[Erichalfbee]

propolis.......... Lb for Lb worth more than honey!

Food for thought???

Yeghes da

Yes, but could you produce as much in weight as you could honey?

 

[For want of a better word]

Yes, but could you produce as much in weight as you could honey?

Double bubble!!!
Honey and propopopolis

Yeghes da

 

[ellypatt]

Whereabouts are you, when has there been a really warm day?

Last Saturday was warm in Oxford, especially in sheltered spots. I was gardening in a vest top.

 

[hedgehog66]

Last Saturday was warm in Oxford, especially in sheltered spots. I was gardening in a vest top.

Just a vest top
Oooohhhh missus
Glad you didnt get stung elsewhere
Hahaha

 

[Goran]

Yes, but could you produce as much in weight as you could honey?

At my place is considered to harvest 100-150 grams of excellent propolis per hive per season. I will try to find time to harvest at least for myself.

I didn't mention if important, we have carnies. But there is also diversity within carnies from colony to colony in use of propolis. Some use more, some less.. Sometimes when I want to pull one frame out, I get 3..