Chalky looking stores

[Levitt53]

I was doing my second inspection of the year today. In one fairly strong colony there were what looked like stores in some outside frames which were very white and chalky looking. The substance crumbled when I ran my hive tool over it. It's not chalkbrood. The colony wasn't fed in the autumn or given any fondant so it is some form of honey but not crystalised in anyway I've seen before. Anyone seen anything like this before?

 

[Ian123]

Probably just old pollen it often drys in pellets like that when moulds got into it.

 

[GuyNir]

Pic would’ve helped...

 

[Levitt53]

Pic would’ve helped...

Yes didn't have my phone with me.

 

[Levitt53]

Probably just old pollen it often drys in pellets like that when moulds got into it.

Ok thanks. I might just change the frames. It was very odd.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Agree with Ian. Pollen. If the frames are otherwise ok keep them

 

[pargyle]

Agree with Ian. Pollen. If the frames are otherwise ok keep them

A vacuum cleaner will usually sort them out ... found some a bit like that I had in store today when I was moving stored kit about.

 

[ericbeaumont]

I might just change the frames. It was very odd.

Don't waste the resource: give the combs to a strong colony and they'll clear it out (although the hoover idea sounds fun).

 

[Levitt53]

Don't waste the resource: give the combs to a strong colony and they'll clear it out (although the hoover idea sounds fun).

I'll see what it's like next time I go in. They are a strong colony so might have dealt with it although yes the hoovering idea sound fun.

 

[Finman]

If you have old pollen frames, only way to clean them is to give frames into brood box. Bees clean the frames for laying.