Storing Foundation

[Two Bees]

I purchased more crimp-wired foundation than I plan to use this first year of beekeeping.  At this point, I have not installed the foundation into the frames and have simply stored it in a cardboard box in the garage.

Should I install it into the frames, hang the frames in empty bodies/supers, and store these in the garage? 

If so, what are the chances of wax moths destroying the foundation stored in the bodies/supers left in my garage?

[Kathyp]

don't put more in the frames than you need for the year.  it gets knocked around and broken.  i keep mine in the cardboard on a top shelf in the bedroom :-)  but the (ancient) stuff i got from an old lady had been kept in boxes in the garage.  we don't seem to have much of a wax moth issue.

can you wrap the foundation up in a heavy garbage bag and store it somewhere safe?  i have also heard that a little cedar oil on a cloth will help keep bugs out.  i know it doesn't hurt the bees because i accidentally mixed some in syrup and they took it fine.

[HAB]

Would it hurt foundation to be stored in my garage refrigerator? :)

[Kathyp]

shouldn't, but remember that it will be very brittle until it warms.  i had some in frames on the back porch this winter and it shattered when something bumped it.

[indypartridge]

I agree with kathyp: don't put extra in frames. Leave it in the box. I have some some boxes of foundation I picked up at a garage sale that are many years old and just perfect. Wax moths shouldn't be a problem: they focus on drawn comb which has had brood in it.

[Two Bees]

Thanks, everyone for the help!  I will find some cool, dry place to store it until needed.  Perhaps I can wrap it up real good in a plastic bag and store it in the garage.  If not, I will probably do what kathyp did and find a place in a closet inside of my house.

[Jim134]

    Don't put in any more wax foundation in frames then 
you can use in a week or two.
  If you store wax foundation in a cold place warm it up
to 70 for 48 hr before you use it. Wax foundation is
very brittle when it is cold. Wax moths like drawn comb
not foundation

   BEE GOOD Jim 134

[Michael Bush]

I've kept foundation for decades in the basement where it doesn't get hot laying flat on a shelf.

[fudgeman]

I agree wax moth tends not affect foundation. BUT on odd occasions they do. Probably not a worry if it is to be used in frames but if it is unwired and will be used for rolled candles it is a pain. I store all my foundation in a couple of old fridges, not working, the magnetic door seals keep out the moth. Also the foundation doesn't get bashed around.
Hope this helps.
Fudgeman

[HAB]

The non-working frig might work up north.  Here (Al.) anything placed in one will quickly mold and rot. :-x