I am new to bees, a lot to learn. I checked on my hives today and found one hive empty, Both upper and lower supers full of honey, but no sign of bee'.they were sealing up their hive last week but they have disappeared, Any Idea why? Is it safe to salvage the honey? Any feed back would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Jdale
If the hive beetles haven't got to it, harvest all capped honey, "Quick".
Most likely absconded.don2 :)
Was any brood left?
Wouldn't hurt to have a test ran to see if it is contaminated or not.
Don
No Brood, How do you have the Honey tested to see if it is contaminated? I tasted it, Not Dead Yet!
If the frames haven't been "slimed" by the beetles yet I wouldn't worry about the honey. You may want to freeze a few frames in case you need emergency feed later.
If ya'll fill your location in on your profiles it might help in answering questions. SHB are much more of a problem for southern beekeepers than up north and your emergency feed might be better in the spring than during winter.
Scott
If there wasn't any dead bees on the ground in front of the hive, chances are it is not contaminated.
To be sure get your Agriculture/ Home Extension Agent send a sample off, at least 8 oz's.
If you prefer, and have the $$'s have a local lab test it. :)dno2
My profile is fixed so I am no longer hopelessly lost.
hopelessly lost does seem to be a popular destination for beekeepers old and new???
Bees all disappeared without a trace? Has there been any strange lights out there after dark? Any strange circles or marks on the ground around the hive? My bet is on the aliens. They have been busy this fall. Or the cell phone towers.
Bees could have died out for a number of reasons. You just need to to test them. Numbers could have gotten low due to mites and robbers could have killed the rest. Was there any brood left in the hive? I would freeze the frames for the spring if the other hives have enough stores, or if your other hives are light, let them rob it out.