In a message dated 96-08-14 19:07:28 EDT, [log in to unmask] (Steven A. Creasy)
 writes:
 
<< I came back later, and to my dismay, 6-8 frames of the
 earilest, lightest, fully capped honey had the middles melted out.  I
 had them in the bathtub and was able to catch 2 1/2 qts. for later use
 as food (?).
 
 My question is this.  Will the bees repair frames of comb that is fully
 drawn but  20-40% of the middle section gone, or should I start over
 again next year with foundation? >>
 
     Try to redistribute the frames, so that each hole has a good comb on
either side, if you can.  Bees will then generally fill in the hole.  You
might trim up any twisted parts with a sharp knife.  If there are wires in
the hole, you'll have to cut the *vertical* ones, because, for some reason,
bees will not build back there.  They usually will repair comb around
horizontal wires.
 
    I routinely use completely empty frames between frames of good comb, to
produce comb honey, so we can cut pieces to put in the jar. This is the
preferred style of comb honey in the south.  The bees ususally fill it in
quite well, though sometimes they will put in a brace comb connection between
frames.  It doesn't matter; it all gets used.  We eat odd pieces as we work,
or crush them and toss into the tank. Sometimes we put them into tuppperware
boxes, and pass them out to friends. The pretty ones go into the jars.
 
    You're coming on just fine.  If that is the most expensive mistake, you
are doing great!    Good luck.
 
[log in to unmask]    Dave Green,  PO Box 1200,  Hemingway,  SC
29554
 
Practical Pollination Home Page            Dave & Janice Green
http://users.aol.com/pollinator/polpage1.html