Keeping an empty hive

[reinbeau]

We've got two hives out there, no bees, chock full of honey - today Greg noticed bees outside the hive poking around.  I realized they were scouts out to rob.  We closed the hives up completely.  We're planning on putting the package bees in them next month.  What should we do to preserve the hives for now other than keeping them closed?

[Robo]

You should be fine unless we get some really nice/warm weather, then you may need to watch out for wax moths.

Just keep an eye out for ants too,  depending on how well you have them sealed up.

[reinbeau]

Thanx, Robo.  It's in the 60's right now, but it's going to get cold again this weekend.  The packages are supposed to get here April 7th, but everyone is telling us the bees have never been on time, so we've probably got a month before we get them.  I've got a chest freezer, I can freeze two of the five extra supers we've got, but three are going to be unguarded.  Can I seal them up in plastic bags til we use them?

[Robo]

I think you should be fine. 

But if you want to feel better, You can seal some frames in a plastic bag (or a whole super if your freezer is big enough) and put them in your freezer for a few days.   The you can remove them, but leave them sealed.  As long as they are kept sealed the wax moths can't get to them to lay eggs.  Then just keep freezing batches until your done.

Or you can treat with Certan.

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