Removing dead bees

[Dabbler]

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 ?

[van from Arkansas]

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

[MikeyN.C.]

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.

[van from Arkansas]

Yes, Mikey thanks for adding detail, caution.
Cheers

[MikeyN.C.]

Been there Van an done that
Wish I didn't have to tell how to clean out a dead hive

[MikeyN.C.]

If you knock frames most will fall out.

[Dabbler]

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