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Subject:
From:
Joel Govostes <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Discussion of Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 7 Apr 1997 09:15:57 -0400
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Dave-
 
Hi.  This is a common chore in springtime, dealing with the dead colonies.
 
Really, it is simple.  Remove each comb.  Shake the dead bees off, and then
if you want to be really good gently brush the remaining bees off the
surface with a soft brush (old paintbrush, feather or whatever.
 
DO NOT worry about the bees "in" the cells.  You won't get them out without
damaging the comb.
 
Scrape off the dysentery and burr comb/propolis buildup on the frames
themselves, for the most part, anyway.  ALSO scrape down the
bottom-board/floor very well so it can dry out.  It would be good to set it
in the sun for a day or two, if you can.
 
Other than that, you can scrape down the rabbets in the box, where the
frame lugs sit, as they probably are laden with propolis buildup.
 
If you have done this, the new bees have a great head-start.  They will
very quickly remove the remaining dead bees, mold, etc, and fix up the
combs, and soon you will have NO evidence of the dead colony at all.  They
really are great at re-furbishing a hive like that.
 
Have a good season...
 
Best wishes,
 
Joel Govostes,     Freeville,  NY   (nr. Ithaca)

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