Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: contactme_11 on February 19, 2009, 12:38:17 PM

Title: Storage of drawn combs with limited freezer space
Post by: contactme_11 on February 19, 2009, 12:38:17 PM
So I got out and found that one of my hives didn't make it over the winter. So I now have 30 frames of drawn comb and honey/ pollen to start my new packages on. I realize it would be best to freeze them just in case, however I have really limited freezer space so I can only freeze 2-3 at a time. What would be best to do? Freeze a couple at a time and bag them tightly? I've got to do something now because the new packages are coming in april.
Title: Re: Storage of drawn combs with limited freezer space
Post by: soilserf40 on February 19, 2009, 12:42:19 PM
That works for me.
I leave them in  the freezer for a couple of days, then place in plastic bag and tie it.
Title: Re: Storage of drawn combs with limited freezer space
Post by: jdpro5010 on February 19, 2009, 01:31:03 PM
I would not worry about it, at least not yet.  The cold wether will protect them from wax moth for quite awhile yet.  I would just leave them outside and protect them agains rodent damage.  You will probably even be able to leave them out until your packages arrive in April without a problem.
Title: Re: Storage of drawn combs with limited freezer space
Post by: jdpro5010 on February 19, 2009, 01:31:53 PM
Ooops, weather :-D
Title: Re: Storage of drawn combs with limited freezer space
Post by: Scadsobees on February 19, 2009, 02:16:57 PM
Yup, as long as it is quite cold out (<40ish) the moth larvae won't do much (if there are many in there), and that is the main concern that freezing would fix.

Any wax moth larvae won't get to far before April, and then there will be new inhabitants that will keep them under control. :)

Leave them out there, just protect against mice and make sure that there is ventilation to help keep any mold down.
Title: Re: Storage of drawn combs with limited freezer space
Post by: RayMarler on February 19, 2009, 03:13:47 PM
I agree with other, you should not have a wax moth problem until nighttime temps stay above 50F or so. Just take your boxes of comb and set outside so they get sunlight down into the box and you should have no problems with them by the time you get the packages.
Title: Re: Storage of drawn combs with limited freezer space
Post by: Michael Bush on February 20, 2009, 07:12:30 AM
Wax moths won't be a problem at all until June or July and probably not much of one until late July.
Title: Re: Storage of drawn combs with limited freezer space
Post by: BjornBee on February 20, 2009, 07:57:04 AM
You can freeze them all together this weekend, as spring was a bit premature to many beekeepers. Now that reality has returned, it's one big freezer outside.... :-D