How long to freeze frames that have moth eggs

Started by NeilTheCop, September 12, 2015, 07:44:38 PM

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NeilTheCop

I only have myself to blame for not checking my hives often enough. One picked up the dreaded wax moth and they had infected 4 frames. I cleaned the 'cobwebs' out and put these frames over a fire ant nest and they though it was Christmas, dragging the larvae and cocoons into their nest for a midnight snack :wink:
They seem to have done a good job but I would like to make sure they didn't miss any eggs so I'm going to bribe the wife into letting me put the frames into the freezer.
How long should they stay in the freezer to ensure the eggs are dead?
Some days, it's not even worth chewing through the restraints

BeeMaster2

First, bee sure to put the frames in plastic bags before putting them in the freezer. If the freezer is just below freezing, at least 2 days. The colder it is the faster it kills them. I normally shoot for a day but they usually end up in there for weeks.
Democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote.
Ben Franklin

NeilTheCop

Two days, so the bribe to the wife will have to be a very big box of chocolates  :cool:
Some days, it's not even worth chewing through the restraints

Modenacart

Be careful because if there's is enough they will group together and keep warm.  Check in them before you assume they are dead. 


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NeilTheCop

After my last inspection I reduced the hive to a single medium box and fitted a screened bottom board with an oil tray. Each evening I put the tray in and each morning I remove it and check the 'droppings'. Had a single small wax moth larvae this morning, so I missed something during the inspection.
Just accepting that I will have to feed all winter and they quite possibly won't make it  :cry:
Some days, it's not even worth chewing through the restraints

BeeMaster2

Neil,
That is a good sign, your bees are cleaning out the comb. Yea.
Jim
Democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote.
Ben Franklin