My Dad gave me 10 shallow frames of honey that he found when cleaning out my Grandpas property several years ago. My Grandpa used to keep bees but that was several years before he passed away so we have no idea how old they are. We're assuming it's a bad idea to introduce a frame here and there in our colonies because of diseases.
They were sealed in a bag when he found them and still are.
Is that a valid fear?
Any suggestions on what can be done with it?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/r3faH657VBNn4PJQ8 (https://photos.app.goo.gl/r3faH657VBNn4PJQ8)
Hard to tell, but the one on the left looks like there is wax moth damage?? If the comb is in good shape and you know your grandpa didn't loose his bees to foul brood I wouldn't worry about it.
I would give it to the bees.
I I have no idea how he lost his bees. I didn't pay much attention back then but I don't think he treated for anything. I vaguely remember him fussing about mites, but I want to say it was tracheal mites?
It does look like something has been in some of the frames. But its almost like some of the wax has crumbled away. The honey is very dark also. Some is almost black.
Bee health; rule of tongue. If you are not prepared to lick it and lap it yourself, then do not put it in a hive. Applies to all bee-ware.
Is the foundation wax or plastic? If plastic, your can scrape everything off, power wash, then good to give the bees as new.
I would extract it and eat the honey. They look fine to me. After extraction you can decide if you want to strip the comb.
The one on the left probably had brood in it. I will bet the honey is not black.
Quote from: NCNate on July 07, 2020, 10:05:48 PM
It does look like something has been in some of the frames. But its almost like some of the wax has crumbled away. The honey is very dark also. Some is almost black.
Honey on frames that looks black from the outside is because the cap is in contact with the honey in the cells. Where it looks white or yellow, there is a slight air gap between the honey and the cap.
Open a black cell. You will probably find golden honey.
How does the whole mess smell? If it smells like honey and wax, I'd try tasting it.