Used frames from dead colony

[Nbw]

Hi all

I have some frames from a colony which died due to suspected starvation over winter.

I took the frames, some with stores and pollen and chucked them in the freezer. Some had slight mould of a few corners. Maybe a few cells


Do people suggest that I remove the drawn comb and use new wax to build the frames again or can I re-use them as is?

Attached are a few photos. Some of the cells had dead bees which I have e removed.

Thanks
Nick.

 

[Wilco]

If I was sure it was starvation I'd probably use the frames in colonies at the same site.

 

[pargyle]

Hi all

I have some frames from a colony which died due to suspected starvation over winter.

I took the frames, some with stores and pollen and chucked them in the freezer. Some had slight mould of a few corners. Maybe a few cells


Do people suggest that I remove the drawn comb and use new wax to build the frames again or can I re-use them as is?

Attached are a few photos. Some of the cells had dead bees which I have e removed.

Thanks
Nick.

Drawn comb is a valuable asset - unless you suspect disease that could be retained in the comb then I would use it - saves the bees a lot of work,

 

[ericbeaumont]

re-use them as is?

Yes.

 

[rolande]

Do people suggest that I remove the drawn comb and use new wax to build the frames again or can I reuse them

Two questions here. Yes they can be reused but as for suggesting that's what you do.... I'd be more inclined to suggest you cull the combs and invigorate the bees by getting them drawing new comb but of course this is only a suggestion.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Drawn comb is a valuable asset - unless you suspect disease that could be retained in the comb then I would use it - saves the bees a lot of work,

There are adverts frequently on FB groups and Marketplace selling drawn comb. Buyers beware! Madness!

 

[pargyle]

There are adverts frequently on FB groups and Marketplace selling drawn comb. Buyers beware! Madness!

I would never use comb from someone else's apiary, my frames and comb I know the provenance of - although there is not a lot you can do about taking over or buying a colony.

 

[user 819]

Drawn combs from ones own colonies are fine , as long as one knows for sure disease wasn't the colonies down fall. Varroa / virus die outs or starvation issues then it is safe to reuse after sterilising combs.
Using someone else's combs is a no no, unless it is a compete colony purchase in which case one would quaratine to assess them.