Warnings, advice on recycling dead-out hives/frames?

[tjc1]

Following up on the post about losing my three hives. There are lots of stores, including some pollen. In particular, I'm wondering about uncapped honey - should it be washed out before using those frames for new packages in the spring? Also, will providing drawn comb and stores to a package possibly incite it to swarm during the spring flow?

[biggraham610]

Im sure a more seasoned beek will chime in. My 2 cents worth is this. Drawn comb is GOLD. If you are certain there arent disease issues I would absolutely dump a package on Drawn comb with pollen and stores. They will be way ahead. just be sure to place the frames the way you would find them in an active hive, brood center honey outside. As far as making them want to swarm as long as they have room to expand that shouldnt be an issue in my opinion. Make sure they have space, via a second box once they are brooded up. Again, going into 3rd year, for what its worth. that would be and will be my approach. Good Luck. G

[jalentour]

Big is right.
I'd keep them in the freezer for a few days to be sure.
Where you are, just on the deck will probably be fine.
I am buying drawn comb for my packages this year.
Joe

[Michael Bush]

I reuse hives.  Unless you have some reason to believe they had AFB.  Most hives die in winter from starvation, cold, condensation or Varroa mites.

[jayj200]

If they died because of cold it is fine

If they died because they got into insecticide then my recomenddation is not to trade honey nector or pollen amongst your hives