Missing comb?

gunner7888 · July 30, 2010, 05:19:41 PM

Hello all,
I'm a newbee, starting my first hive June 1st. All has been pretty good so far with my 2nd deep having 6 frames built out with eggs, larva, comb and honey. Today I went in for a good inspection and all looked good in first deep until I took a middle frame out. One side of one frame had all the previous brood comb gone. It was the perfect bowl shaped emptyness surrounded by capped honey. The comb was gone down to bare black plastic foundation. Are they taking that comb to build in the second deep? I have been feeding 1/1 syrup since start up.

Thanks
Scott The paranoid beek

iddee · July 30, 2010, 06:43:58 PM

It sounds like you may have a mouse, or it was never drawn out in the beginning. If there was an area without a wax coating, they won't draw out that area. I don't think the bees removed it.

Storm · July 30, 2010, 07:09:35 PM

My bet's on the mouse. Check for teeth marks.

gunner7888 · July 30, 2010, 09:11:02 PM

Thanks for the response. I didn't notice teethmarks anywhere, but to be honest, i wasn't looking for that. Was just so amazed at the removed part of comb was precisely only the brood comb and the fact it took the comb down to nothing.
This frame for sure had brood comb all over that foundation originally, It was probably the first frame to be drawn out.
The spacing on my hive opening is only 3/8 high. I guess a mouse can get anywhere so tomorrow morning, the mouseguard goes up (just today recieved some I ordered)
What got me the most was how whatever it was, was only interested in brood, and only got to one frame.
Would appreciate anyone elses thoughts, but for now, going with the mouse theory.

Thanks
Scott

AllenF · July 31, 2010, 03:52:08 PM

A mouse will also leave a lot of trash on the bottom board when they eat up frames.

gunner7888 · July 31, 2010, 07:24:30 PM

The bottom board was not left with trash. We visit this hive many times a day (in back yard and we are addicted) and saw no bees hauling out any type of debris. I talked with a local beek today and he doubted a mouse because a strong hive, which i think this one is, would have killed the mouse before it could consume that much brood. Most question whether there was comb there in the first place, and I assure them there was, at least for sure three weeks ago. I installed mouse guard and will go from there i guess.

OzBuzz · July 31, 2010, 08:31:17 PM

Gunner, welcome to the intriguing world of beekeeping...

Some may disagree but i too have had the bees chew away sections of comb. I had a comb which had some mold on it - rather than clean the moldy away they cut the whole section out - i had foudation in so all they left in that section was the wires

gunner7888 · August 01, 2010, 10:38:42 AM

Thanks Oz, and all for responding. I know mouse seems to be the standard thought, and I am guarding agaist that, but in my heart, I don't think a mouse. To precise in the removal (what do I know lol)

Yes it is a very intriging world, but thats what makes it fun!!!

While here, I want to thank all for a great forum, I have learned soooo much and usually my questions are answered the day I have the questions. Good to know I'm not alone with some problems.

THANKS
SCOTT