I've pulled 3 frames with about 80% capped honey, but most of the other frames are about 30-50% capped and I plan to give the bees a couple of weeks more. How can I (should I) store the frames until I have enough to extract? I'm asking because I'm concerned about wax moths. Should I return them to the hive and let the bees take care of them? I hate to upset the bees again so soon. I suppose I could crush and strain, since I just bought some wax foundation and it's still warm here.
Ya put it back for a few weeks they will necessarily cap all honey not being eaten
Put it back. They will cap it if they have enough coming in. Also, if you didn't replace the frame, they may draw wild comb from the lid where the frames were.
I store frames that are not extracted in the freezer. Have 3 supers in there now.
I agree with put them back - or in the freezer as Allen suggested.
A bigger worry than wax moths is SHB. Used to be you could take off honey and let it sit until you got around to extracting, but now you need to extract within a few days or risk having everything slimed.
Thanks, friends. Hadn't thought about SHBs. Good point.
When I freeze frames, w/wo honey, I put them in a plastic bag so they will not collect moisture when removed from the freezer. -Mike