Re-using frames

[Canaro]

Hi all,
I'm looking to re-use some of my frames from last year in this year's supers. But the wax seems very fragile and crumbles at the touch. Can the bees do anything with this? Or should I start from scratch with new frames?

 

[Silly Bee]

Personally I'd put in new foundation, others will no doubt have different ideas.

 

[mbc]

Hi all,
I'm looking to re-use some of my frames from last year in this year's supers. But the wax seems very fragile and crumbles at the touch. Can the bees do anything with this? Or should I start from scratch with new frames?

I cant imagine undrawn foundation crumbling to the touch, so presumably this is empty drawn comb which is crumbling ? The bees will reuse this very easily and with less tax on them than starting afresh with foundation. When they re inhabit unused comb they give it a mend where needed and a fresh veneer of propolis before using it again.

 

[george]

I would use it , its always surprising what they will repair . As mbc says it will also give them much less to do to start storing any nectar coming in .

It may be that you have just stored the frames somewhere cold and its gone a bit brittle . It will soften up once in the hive .
G

 

[Canaro]

Yes, sorry. Should have been clearer. It's drawn comb.

 

[enrico]

Mbc is right, they will fix it in a day!

 

[Arfermo]

I would use it , its always surprising what they will repair . As mbc says it will also give them much less to do to start storing any nectar coming in .

It may be that you have just stored the frames somewhere cold and its gone a bit brittle . It will soften up once in the hive .
G

Might help the bees to get the message if you spray frames with weak syrup too?

 

[Finman]

.
It is very normal that bees do not draw all foundation what you give them.
I use put put in Autumn fondation on the side of walls.

Bees continue next summer from where they stopped. They need not sudar spray, no warming or no encouragement when it is time to draw new combs.

But bees do not draw combs when the beekeeper wants. Let them do the job as they like. No pressures.

.

 

[YorkshireBees]

Definitely re-use it!
I sacrificed part of my honey crop by having only mainly foundation for the supers last year!
I think it is said that it takes 6lb of honey to create 1lb of wax so imagine the advantage of having drawn comb!!

 

[Canaro]

Thanks, everyone. Re-use it is.