What is this wax formation on old brood frame (pic attached)

[Buzzo]

Hi
Took an old brood frame off today and it had these raised wax structures on the bottom section . are they just remnants of drone cells ?

Thanks

B.

 

[Wilco]

Looks like it's been the end frame in a box and those bits are where it had brace comb attaching it to the side of the box.

 

[ericbeaumont]

It's the conjoining of two adjacent combs; the other frame will also have evidence. Colony benefits from the reduced vibration.

 

[WoodenBeam]

Look like a little brace comb constructed between the frame and the flat surface it was next to.

 

[ericbeaumont]

end frame in a box

I agree; flat faces of the growths gives the game away.

 

[WoodenBeam]

What’s the chance of that……3 bee keepers in agreement (just about) and answering all at the same time

 

[Newbeeneil]

Another one in agreement here..... look out I can see the Second Coming!

 

[Mint Bee]

Out of principle and to prevent the end of the world, I am obliged to say its something completely different. Possibly never observed before. If someone would like to donate some money I can carry out innovative and ground breaking research into the exciting new phenomenon.

 

[Boston Bees]

Out of principle and to prevent the end of the world, I am obliged to say its something completely different. Possibly never observed before. If someone would like to donate some money I can carry out innovative and ground breaking research into the exciting new phenomenon.

Definitely a sign of VSH bees

 

[Curly green finger's]

Bees having a creative spell while dancing on the hive wall

 

[Bumble Bee Slim]

Out of principle and to prevent the end of the world, I am obliged to say its something completely different. Possibly never observed before. If someone would like to donate some money I can carry out innovative and ground breaking research into the exciting new phenomenon.

Totally agree with you, send me all your bank details ,passwords etc and I promise to give you huge amounts of dosh.

 

[Wilco]

What’s the chance of that……3 bee keepers in agreement (just about) and answering all at the same time

Another one in agreement here..... look out I can see the Second Coming!

And in related news I'm receiving reports that the temperature in hell is plunging.

 

[Finman]

That comb is compost stuff. It is too old and cells have mold.

 

[understanding_bees]

I have a different question about the comb shown in the photograph in posting #1.

If you click on the small image to display it as a large image, and then double-click on that image to enlarge it even more, it is then easy to see that very many of the cells have large numbers of “white dots” inside of them. The entire outer surface is covered with white material. Is this the same kind of material? What might this material be?

Finman has suggested (#13) that it may be mold (mould?). Is this really mould?

Finman also suggested that this comb was compost stuff. Even though this comb may be quite unsuitable for use again in a hive box, it looks as though it could yield a useful amount of beeswax if it was melted and purified.

. . . .or, . . . might a piece of comb such as this be of use in a bait box?

 

[Erichalfbee]

White dots inside cells that have been brooded are often Varroa poo
Yes you can recover wax...not much but some
Bait hive? No I wouldn't

 

[drex]

I bait all my bait hives with old comb, but I agree Dani, that one is too far gone. It would go in my solar wax melter.

 

[understanding_bees]

White dots inside cells that have been brooded are often Varroa poo
Yes you can recover wax...not much but some
Bait hive? No I wouldn't

Thank you for your response

 

[Murox]

Pokes, jokes, mouldy fungi or pooh aside, when I look at that in greater magnification its something I would just burn to dispose of; certainly wouldn't use it in any hive bait or otherwise.

 

[Into the lions den]

Finman is spot on...as he often is.

Its a mouldy old piece of decrepit comb that has been next to the side wall and attached to it, probably for support as it looks a bit shonky in itself.. The cell walls are a bit swollen indicating it has also drawn damp and the cost of recovery of a few grams of wax renders it of dubious worth recovering. Compost of burn.

It may very well prove attractive to swarms....but at what risk? Any decently hygienic stock will likely tear that lot down and chuck it our the door as brown dust and totally refresh the comb...but is there any scale present...cannot tell. ANY risk of infection...even if you dont know...get shot of it.

 

[Finman]

Problem in such comb is, that if you give the comb to bees, bees start to tear down the comb. It is hard work to them. They want to renew the comb. It is unnecessary work, what bees will do. It is simpler to bees, that they get a new foundation , and bees do the good comb.
You will get a spoonfull wax from comb, but it is not worth to do the job.