Bees Gone

[Schoon]

I went out to check on my bees and they were gone. There were larva crawing everywhere I don't know if this is hive beetles or moth larva. Is there anything I can do to save the equipment? This is a first year hive I just got the package in May. Thanks

[iddee]

SHB... Freeze it......

[AllenF]

Ya stick it in the freezer for a couple of days, then you can wrap it up and store it for next spring, or just leave it in there.  Your new bees next year will clean it up if the frames are not too bad.

[Grandma_DOG]

If you didn't this year, keep your beehive next year in full sun.  That reduces SHB.

[Scadsobees]

If it smells bad and you have LOTS of larvae and you have a wife like mine, you'd probably be best counselled to skip the freezer, otherwise you may run into some very unpleasant consequences (or a large one with 4 wheels may run into you  :-D) .  :roll:

If they are bad and there isn't much honey, you may just want to spray it out with a hose.

If it is webby, then it is probably moths, and whereas it isn't pleasant, it beats the sheer nose-splitting nasty stench of the SHB.  I'd guess SHB though, and skip the freezer unless you have comb that is minimally messed up, and even then bag it well.

Sorry about your bees.  I know the feeling, it's pretty rough.

Rick

[PeeVee]

That really stinks losing the hive your first year. Don't give up! As was mentioned, stick the frames in the freezer (isn't that what the freezer on the beer fridge is for?)  There is next year to get ready for.

[Schoon]

Thank you all.

[saritacoleman]

Heartbreaking...so sorry.  :'(

[Schoon]

After I freeze the frames 24 hours can they be used again?

[AllenF]

Yes, if the wax is not a 100% loss.   I know that the bees will clean up frames with quite a bit of mess on them.