Urgh !
My 5 frame nuc that was split a month ago has been struggling and
during todays inspection I found SHB larvae. They were only in about 4 sq inches of comb.
There is nectar on this frame that I would like to keep for this weak nuc. I pulled about
2 dozen larvae from the frame. The sunlight seemed to drawn them out of the comb.
Can I freeze the frame for 24.. 48 hours and then let the bees have it back ? The frozen
then thawed nectar will still be ok for them ? Will the bees clean up any dead larvae,moth eggs etc ?
This split has been very frustrating. The weather has been great I assume that it is my fault and perhaps
it was too soon/weak to split. I still have a strong nuc that was recently put in 10 frames and another 10 frame deep that should have a mated queen soon.
Thanks
Mike
I updated this post because I originally thought they were Wax moth larvae until I went over to a commercial beeks and he was scraping some off frames. My frame was not slimy, but seeing his slimed up was extremely nasty. I have seen adult SHB but not larvae.
QuoteCan I freeze the frame for 24
Yep. 24 hours is good enough.
QuoteWill the bees clean up any dead larvae,moth eggs etc ?
Yes. That shouldn't take too long. Also, unthaw the frame for an hour before putting it back in the hive.
QuoteI assume that it is my fault and perhaps it was too soon/weak to split
Been there, done that. Just keep an eye on them and they should make it through. Add brood or shake in some bees if you think they are really bad off.
if it's a wax frame and you don't want to remove it, you can just take a knife and cut that section out. the bees will fix it.