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Dead hive - reuse parts?

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817 views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  bobp  
B
#1 ·
Hi,

I had 2 hives. My #2 hive is amazing. The #1 hive died this summer, and I'm not too sad because they never amounted to anything despite my efforts (I should've combined them last fall). Not sure entirely why they died, but they were always weak.

The fireants here in NC are horrible (think this: they ate ALIVE a clutch of baby peacocks this spring). So I imagine that the ants overtook this hive since there wasn't any really noticable mite damage, or at least I think. There is still old comb on plastic foundation but would never want to put that directly into another hive.

So, what can I reuse and what are any major things I should be concerned about? I would use this equipment for a new hive next year, that I'd split off my #2 hive that's done so well

Thanks!!
Brandon
 
R
#2 ·
I have frozen frames and reused. It’s best to catch em before they get nasty with webs etc. if you don’t want to use em in your other hives use them next spring as swarm box bait. I did that with a couple hives that didn’t survive winter and caught 3 swarms. Free bees will make ya turn ya frown upside down for sure. Look at it as a temporary set back. Good luck
 
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