Old honey filled brood

[Rock_Chick]

Due to bad weather and work, it’s the first time I’ve been though the bees this year, changed to new brood boxes floors etc. I have two hives that did not make it though winter. possibly varroa related. Question is both had two full brood boxes of honey to see them though winter, and some part filled supers, what do I do with them ? my other two hives don’t need any, and I’ve got so many part fulled supers to deal with as well that were not finished off last year. I do t have a freezer to store them. Or is it a case of just burn them, I’m not sure if they would be suitable for extraction as they have gone a bit mouldy on part of the frames and also a bit runny, if you know what I mean.

 

[ericbeaumont]

also a bit runny, if you know what I mean

Three factors to consider: has the honey crystallised, does it smell fermented, and what did you use to treat for varroa last year?

 

[Swarm]

Water bath and light hosing will clean them.

 

[Rock_Chick]

Water bath and light hosing will clean them.

What do you mean by water bath ?

No treatment for varroa after this brood box went on

 

[Erichalfbee]

What do you mean by water bath ?

No treatment for varroa after this brood box went on

You uncap and soak the frames in water for a few hours. Then lightly hose the honey away

 

[Rock_Chick]

You uncap and soak the frames in water for a few hours. Then lightly hose the honey away

That sounds very time consuming,

 

[E&MBees]

I had a brood box worth of solid ivy which I soaked out a few weeks ago. The worse bit was removing the cappings. It soaked out fine and the bees have done a brilliant job of repairing and reusing them.

 

[Erichalfbee]

That sounds very time consuming,

Few short cuts in beekeeping. If you want to save the frames this will work. Drawn brood frames are valuable. So many uses in the apiary. If you can’t be bothered then throw them away

 

[thorn]

That sounds very time consuming,

You don't have to stand over them. You can go away and do other things while they soak.

 

[Swarm]

Think of the value of drawn comb. Dunk and shake a few times, light going over with a hose and they are done in no time.

 

[pargyle]

Think of the value of drawn comb. Dunk and shake a few times, light going over with a hose and they are done in no time.

Just don't do it on a day when the bees are flying and anywhere near the apiary ... or anywhere ANY bees are going to find you !