new bees to a old hive

[Dookie]

One of my hives has died over the winter (it was vandalised), so im going to get a new bunch of bees (somehow).

My question is do i have to completely empty out the hive or do i leave the old frames in there.

I have read different things from different places on the internet so would just like some advice please.

Thanks

Richard

 

[Gilberdyke John]

One of my hives has died over the winter (it was vandalised), so im going to get a new bunch of bees (somehow).

My question is do i have to completely empty out the hive or do i leave the old frames in there.

I have read different things from different places on the internet so would just like some advice please.

Thanks

Richard

To me it's a no brainer. Empty the hive, sterilise it and use clean foundation, you may be able to sterilise the old frames or you may care to renew them.
Would you think it acceptable to put a patient in a bed the previous occupant died in without thorough cleaning and fresh bedding?

 

[enrico]

As above unless you can be sure they died of starvation!

 

[Dookie]

So if they died from a disease then every thing has to be changed, but if they starved then it can all stay.

I think because it was vandalised it should be ok to leave all the frames still in there

 

[Dusty Rhodes]

Dookie, I think you have already made your mind up not to replace frames and wax.

It seems clear to me that the advice you have been given, suggests it is wiser to start afresh.

And I agree with that.


But, they're your bees.

Dusty

 

[Itchy]

Or leave it as a bait hive

 

[Erichalfbee]

No....wax moth will make a real mess of it

 

[B+.]

It seems clear to me that the advice you have been given, suggests it is wiser to start afresh.

Kent didn't have any AFB (American Foul Brood) reports in 2015 but there was quite a lot of EFB (European Foul Brood) http://www.nationalbeeunit.com/public/BeeDiseases/diseaseIncidenceMaps.cfm

I would suggest that you be careful about where you source a replacement colony from.

 

[beeno]

Hi Dookie,
If you are sure they did not die from disease, then freeze the frames until you need them. Wax moth will make a mess of unattended frames otherwise. Good luck for the future.

 

[Itchy]

My apologies, I didn't consider wax moth as I don't reuse old comb, just old frames. I want a swarm to turn up and make their own.

 

[REDWOOD]

if you are not sure why your bees died then get somebody who does or bin all the frames and toast hive parts, AFB will not die with common freezing.

 

[Poly Hive]

Sorry but that is a huge leap to post.

The unit was vandalised and in view of that the most likely cause of death was exposure surely?

The probability of AFB is extremely remote. I once totted up the figures of colonies kept and the number destroyed and it is a minute fraction of one %.

Steady on.

PH