Can I reuse the frames?

mat · February 15, 2008, 03:23:35 PM

Today I found out that one of my hives is dead. I do not know why, there was plenty of food, but I suppose that nosema may be involved. There were fecal stains on the frames and combs. Should I destroy the frames or could I extract the honey and feed the other hives? The frames in the lower deep look quite clean, and there is a lot of pollen there, may be I could use those?
mat

Cindi · February 17, 2008, 09:24:07 AM

Mat, now that is a good question, and I want to hear some answers too. It definitely sounds like a gut illness for sure. Bees do not defecate in their homes unless they are sick. That is too bad, sorry about the loss of the colony. It is always a sadness when a colony dies. Good luck with the others, have a wonderful, and awesome day, love our earth. Cindi

JP · February 17, 2008, 10:35:37 AM

Quote from: mat on February 15, 2008, 03:23:35 PM
Today I found out that one of my hives is dead. I do not know why, there was plenty of food, but I suppose that nosema may be involved. There were fecal stains on the frames and combs. Should I destroy the frames or could I extract the honey and feed the other hives? The frames in the lower deep look quite clean, and there is a lot of pollen there, may be I could use those?
mat

As long as it wasn't a foulbrood issue you can give these frames to another hive. The bees will deal with any cleaning that needs to be done. Last night Miss Pepper asked questions regarding nosema. Don the fatbeeman had the answer to resolve nosema issues. It entails using tea tree oil mixed with feed. He says it clears it up usually in about a week. Another good reason to check out ventrillo. Sorry for your loss.

....JP

Amanda · February 17, 2008, 05:44:01 PM

Can you use tea tree oil as a preventative measure, even if there is nothing wrong with the bees yet?

mat · February 17, 2008, 06:14:19 PM

Thank you for the responses. JP do you no the dose of tea tree oil ?

JP · February 17, 2008, 11:08:58 PM

Quote from: mat on February 17, 2008, 06:14:19 PM
Thank you for the responses. JP do you no the dose of tea tree oil ?

Fatbeeman says to use 10-20 drops of tea tree oil in one gallon of water. Mix in blender approx. 5 minutes to emulsify. Works well he says for chalkbrood also. It seems you apply it if you have a problem. The problem usually clears itself in about a week-week and a half. Reapply if necessary after two weeks.

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php?topic=13005.msg90546#msg90546 Go to 19:00 minute mark and start reading from there.

.....JP

mat · February 18, 2008, 01:50:27 AM

I found it, thank you

Cindi · February 18, 2008, 09:29:55 AM

Ooooh, to live in Australia or New Zealand, to gather the oil of the tea tree, hee, heee.

We pay big bucks up here for Manuka Honey, (about $45 for 500 grams) (a little over a pound) that comes from the tea tree. I have looked into growing this tree, it is a slight possibility, but would have to have massive protection just as my banana plants do. I don't know if I want to bother, but is still runs through my mind now and then. Salt Spring Island grows the tea tree in their little micro climate there. Have a beautiful and wonderful day, love our life we live. Cindi