So after 3 winters I have my first deadout. It was definitely starvation. My bad, I didn't want to open the hive to feed when it was so cold out.
Anyways, my question relates to cleaning out the hive. Specifically how do I get the bees out of the honeycomb cells? Many vibrated out by knocking the frame against the hive body. But there are still a bunch left on each frame.
Should I just relax and let the next colony finish the cleaning job ?
Dabbler, here is what I do and why:
I use compressed air, 40 psi with small nozzle to blow out dead larva or bees. Some of the capped larva will be nasty, rotten, putrid and quit the sepit mess. I am concerned exposing my nurse bees to such a mess is why I blow out the cells.
Inside some of the capped cells will be a gooie mess, more or less liquid dead whatever and I don?t want my nurse bees to be exposed to such. Compressed air removes the capp and blows out the debris.
Just my method. Consider freezing also.
Cheers
Compressed air is good but be careful. A home style compressor for nail guns or staple guns is good, if you are using natural drown comb , air will blow it away if using wire foundation don't get air nozzel to close and it work's(natural comb will be blown apart) I know. I freeze, then let bee's clean in hive. A small shop-vac work's really good on dead bee's.
Yes, Mikey thanks for adding detail, caution.
Cheers
Been there Van an done that :smile:
Wish I didn't have to tell how to clean out a dead hive :grin:
If you knock frames most will fall out.
Thanks for your replies.
Fortunately no gooey mess to deal with. Just intact bee carcasses.
I?ll bang the frames a bit more.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk