The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Bees & Beekeeping => Topic started by: norfolk newbies on April 26, 2013, 12:49:10 pm
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Hi All
Well our 3 hives have survived, although one looking slightly shakier than the rest, but queen laying strongly. The other 2 hives appear to have wax moth damage. I assume that it what this is, there is no web and the frames are not black, but the wax has definitively been 'nibbled', in fairly large patches.
Should I just assume this is wax moth and treat appropriately ( freezing seems to be the recommended solution) and for the frames with no stores etc , could I put them back in the hive and will bees rebuild, or should I use new foundation and start again.
Sorry for all the questions, I have looked in one book, but must find some time to read the others and BBKA mags..
thanks
Jo
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Hi Jo,
From your description I'd be inclined to suspect is been nibbled by mice. Ideally I would replace the frame with one that is already been drawn out and put a new sheet of foundaton in that comb.
When you want new comb (foundation) drawing out let the bees do them above the queen excluder. They will normally draw combs out a lot better above than below. The combs in the centre will be drawn out first (and best) so move them to the outside and put ones from the outside in the centre.
Pete
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If it was wax moth you would see other tell tale signs such as the web you mention, or the moth grub itself.
I suspect meecies have had it in pieces! Did you have your mouse guards on the doors? Look on the floor of the brood box, most likely bits of nest material in there too.
:bee: