Dear Listers, Does anyone know what causes areas of bare foundation in brood combs, both wax and Pierco? I have a couple of hives that have chewed cell walls down to the foundation in areas as large as a hand-span in several combs where the surroundings are packed with brood. The surface of the chewed area almost looks slightly powdery, but scraping and/or brushing doesn't result in cell building. The areas have been bare for several years, and the bees just don't seem to want to have anything to do with these `deserts'. Can anything be done to get the bees to rebuild the cells? Thanks very much. Regards to all. Barry Donovan, New Zealand. Visit our website at http://www.crop.cri.nz ______________________________________________________ CAUTION: The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential. If you read this message and you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or reproduction of all or part of the contents is prohibited. If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender immediately. Any opinions or views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not represent those of their employer. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::