hive autopsy

[Zweefer]

So, my hives have died... I have packages coming to replace them, but as I have never had to do this before, what should I look for when taking the old hives apart to help determine why they met an untimely demise? Personally, am going with too cold to move to stores, as they have plenty left...
Also, what needs to be done to prep them for the new occupants?

[LazyBkpr]

   Bees head first in cells usually denotes starvation.  Bee poo all over the inside of the hive and on the front of the hive usually means Nosema.  Bees tightly clustered, as in PACKED in a ball in the center, some in cells head first with the cluster being really wet usually means moisture killed them.

    The Nosema I have had, was UGLY..  The mess was so nasty inside the hives that it was easier for me to BURN what remained than try to clean it up, but I make my own equipment, so its not as expensive for me to replace it.  Starvation, or moisture kill, I would re use the equipment without a second thought.. shake as many bees out as you can, but tap gently on the frames or the wax might start to separate, then put the new bees on them. They will clean the remaining bees out and prep the wax for their use.

[Zweefer]

Thanks Lazy!
I was at your website Friday brushing up on frames...
I am expanding despite my lack of success overwintering.

This has been my weekend :







P.S.  please excuse the mess 

[Bakersdozen]

Zweefer, sorry to hear about your losses.  It is disheartening.  Glad your going to try it again.
As I recall there was a thread on this very subject not that long ago.  I can't seem to find it.  Perhaps a moderator will know what I am talking about.  Also, back in December or January, I posted about losing a colony I had created doing splits early last spring.  I lost them in the November extreme cold snap.  Riverbee gave me some excellent advice on doing a "hive autopsy".
Hopefully she will repost that information too. 

[Perry]

"I am expanding despite my lack of success overwintering."

That is what will make you successful. Determination.
Is that a Dadant 12 or 20 in the background of picture 1?
Sweet.

[Zweefer]

12.
It was a present from my mentor. 
I also have the manual from another someone who's opinion I respect 

[riverbee]

zweefer,

here is the link to bakers thread:
Looking for answers

this is an excellent thread bakers started with some great posts. bakers did an excellent job when going through the hive, and described in detail what she saw.

take some photos, or maybe draw yourself a 'diagram' with notes of what you find.  take your time, in the future this will be helpful. so many variables when losing hives.

prepping the hive to re-use? what scott said. and yes, be careful not to tap the frames too hard. the bees will take care of the rest.

ps, a very well organized garage...........

[Jen]

You Go Zweef! I had three years of casualties until last year when this forum found me. Mess? Looks like a guy in his garage with a purpose to me 

[tbonekel]

Yep, when I started it was with just one hive. It didn't make it. I was pretty discouraged, but now, I'm better because of it. I learned so much and hopefully the same thing won't happen again. I hope you can find out what it was that did them in.

[efmesch]

Two more possible causes of colony death: 
1. Wax moths---easy enough to spot because of the mess of webbing, the destroyed combs and the cocoons all around the hive.  When an infestation is really bad, the wax moth larvae kill the brood in the cells and cause stored honey to dribble all over the hive.
2. foul brood disease (either American or European).  The brood dies inside the cells and decomposes there.  You can see brood cappings that darken, shrink down or have holes in them.  A matchstick poked into an affected cell will show a liquidy content inside.  When withdrawn, it will have an unpleasant smell and can be of a "ropey" texture.
Wax moth problems can be cleaned away and the frames and supers can be re-used.  Make sure you've left no wax moths in  the hive or you'll just be inviting a new  infestation.
Foul brood infestations are a very serious matter and the equipment is best destroyed (use it to heat your house--but don't let it hang around for next winter).  If done properly, they can be sterilized by boiling them in a solution of sodium hydroxide---a very mean and unpleasant chemical that must be treated with the utmost of care. 
I think that in some locations there are ordinances about reporting foul brood infestations to licensed inspectors who will guide the unfortunate victim  on what to do and how to do it.

[Bakersdozen]

You Go Zweef! I had three years of casualties until last year when this forum found me.

I too had a rough start, but I kept starting over.  Some members of the local bee club commented they weren't to sure that I would be back, after my repeated losses.  I showed them! 

[Zweefer]

I am chalking up this winter to the beginners learning curve. And a brutally cold winter.... Next year will be better!

[Jen]

Of course it will be better Zweef!   

[LazyBkpr]

I am chalking up this winter to the beginners learning curve. And a brutally cold winter.... Next year will be better!

   Not to mention a rough start.    Mess?  I dont see any mess.. But I do see one problem.  The saws, equipment, everything look like they belong, and the fellow using them knows how to, but..  where is the mini fridge? Full size fridge?  Old soda machine bought from the auction?  Cooler with ice?
  No?
    You really NEED one of the above in that garage. if you dont drink, thats fine, just use it to bribe your buddies!!
   I do see something resembling beverage bottles on the shelf, so i wont lecture you too badly, but when your running that heater you will have to move those bottles outside!     

   THIS  year will be better!  Wish you were closer!

[Zweefer]

The fridge  you refer to is in the basement, where all the wine and beer making stuff is.  As most of the woodworking gets done outside, I don't mind hauling up a few bottles now and again.  Plus it guarantees a break every so often :-)

I have a feeling if I was closer we would get along WAY too well... 

[LazyBkpr]

  Plus it guarantees a break every so often :-)

   Now.. there you have the gist of it..  You really NEED to take a break once in a while so you can put everything in order.. no, not in the shop, in your head,  What you just finished, what you need to do next and how far along you are in the totality of the project.. and, a beer (Or a rum and coke) are essential aids of a well organized mind!   

  Probably true, we live this far apart for a reason.   
 

[Zweefer]

I am ready for your visit if you ever decide to come my way though 

 

[Zweefer]

if you dont drink, thats fine...

I just reread that... my brain must not have let such an awful sentence register...

I believe Frank Sinatra put it best "I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day."

[LazyBkpr]

LOL

   seems that your about 6 hours away...
      Wouldnt be too far to pick up a free nuc would it?  Drive down on Saturday, meet TedH and Face Wilbanks, talk bees, crash on the spare bed, drive back the following morning.
     

[Zweefer]

We may just have to plan something!