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----------------- Original message (ID=55051A3F) (62 lines)
-------------------
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2001 18:11:59 -0700
To: Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology
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From: Jerry J Bromenshenk <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Moving Wax

During a heavy nectar flow, bees rob wax from combs that have not been
compeletely drawn out and use it to fix, cap drawn comb.  We measured
significant wax losses from partially drawn foundation in ~ 48 hives during
the first heavy nectar flows of the summer.  We also found that bees often
plug out the lower brood nest with nectar during the day during a heavy
flow, then work all night moving the nectar up to the honey supers.  Just a
guess, but this may be why upper entrances seem to be useful - those bees
racing home with the goods don't want to wait to get to the top of the hive
-- just drop and go out again.

Jerry