When Is Comb Too Dark And Old

[Jen]

Hi Zweefer    Each year the bees give me a totally different lesson to learn. Thank Goodnes for this forum. This year it's not about gaining more drawn comb, but more about queenless hives. The reason for this thread is I remember back some time ago that the queen might not like laying in old dark comb, hence the reason for keeping newer fresher comb. But according to many replies here, that doesn't seem to be the case.

So... Nope! but I'm always nabbing drawn frames when ever i can and storing them in the shed for when I need them.

[riverbee]

another question for you jen,  and back to your original question:

"I've been rearranging frames this spring, and have taken out about 6 or more frames that are what I think are too dark, and don't smell fresh. They have a slightly burnt odor. When I press of the comb it can be brittle.
What are some good signs that the comb needs replacement? And, can that comb be used for anything else?"


are these the frames you delivered a sulfur smoke to?

[Jen]

Good question Riverbee! I've taken that whole hive down that was sulfered, and put the frames in the shed, that is where I smell it. Great Call!

[Lburou]

During a meal with tecumseh last year, he shared an anecdote wherein he reported that one Commercial Operator told him he could recover from the loss of his bees, but not his combs.  Meaning, that comb requires time and resources in the hive to get drawn out:  The combs are more difficult to replace than bees.  I think that is about what he reported.  :-)

[tecumseh]

ah the comments of one of my commercial mentors.  his comment was that he consider drawn comb to be his capital.  not the bees, not his rolling stock nor his honey house but his comb.  much like a saving account he watched after comb and protected it as much as possible.  it does take a long long time to drawn out comb that will maintain 5000 hives at the peak of the season and loss of this is something that is not easy to recover or replace.

it looks like I will be up around Lee's area around the last of the month.  Hope to get the opportunity to see you then. 

[Lburou]

Will be glad to see  you tec!  If you are doing something with bees, I'd like to tag along.  Please check in regardless.   I'll make pizza for you.  :-)

[barry42001]

Interestingly enough every cycle of brood makes the cells slightly smaller consequently in a couple years you will have small cell bee that is the rage lol