As a beekeeper for more than 10 years , I fondly remember starting on my beekeeping journey . The impertinent smell of my newLangstrothhive and human body was exhilarating , but after the “ new railway car smell ” wears off , the motion facing any beekeeper is how to get by mature frames from a beehive that ’s not overbold off the assembly line . What do you do with the hive that froze out during the winter or those underframe that were overtaken by moths or a contrary force field computer mouse ? The response to these dim-witted interrogation can promptly take beekeeping from a fun hobby to a humdrum job if you ’re not careful .
Set A Comb Maintenance Schedule
As asustainable bee farm , we attempt to keep our frames on a regular maintenance cycle . Every few years , consider ingest out your frame and simply supersede the wax foundation to start fresh . Wax moths lean to prefer cockscomb as it ages and gets darker , so ensure clean wax helps to reduce possible way out . restrict the amount of time a frame of comb is used also ensures that you minimize contaminant in the beehive that can build up over clip and reach a critical deal that affect hive wellness .
When you replace introduction , scrape off the quondam cockscomb and make unnecessary as much of the wax as possible to melt . Remove any honest-to-god wiring and wedge from the frame . I ’ve always used the traditional Italian sandwich - top frame with double bottom bar , but today there are many other option , so be aware of the style you ’re using . Also check for slack nail and verify all your joints are rigorous before replacing the foundation .
While a situated sustainment schedule is optimal , if you ’re like us , you also have kids , a occupation , a farm to consort and all sort of “ life ” that gets in the mode . Do your best , but do n’t beat yourself up if you find yourself wager catch - up with your frame of reference direction . I always have heaps of frames that postulate some TLC to get them back into circulation .
Time Vs. Money
Carson Combs
Like any big decision in life , the deciding factor for frame sustainment are meter and money . Do I really have enough fourth dimension to fix all my hive inning , or am I beneficial off just buying some new ace periodically . Repairs can be a tedious and clock time - consuming job , so be naturalistic about your power to allocate time . The answer for a hobbyist will be much different than that of the commercial manufacturer . Make certain you weigh all your options before make a determination to ready or replace :
Keys To Repairing Frames
As you get correct to recreate frames , verify you consider some of the key questions .
Are there any disease issues?
In today ’s world of distressed and pathologic bees , if there is any question that your hive may be compromised , err on the side of caution and pop out afresh . verify that frame are cast away of properly — many land demand pathological hive parts to be burned .
Can pest damage be fixed?
The first clock time they meet the aftermath of wax moth , beginning beekeepersoften ask if the chewed up frame can be reused . ordinarily moth or even creep scathe results in superficial impacts to the Ellen Price Wood . If frames have been frozen and cleaned up to remove all traces of moth , they can usually be fitted with novel foundation and put back into circulation . Consider the severity of the woodwind damage and do what feels right .
Do you have hardware to make repairs?
Over the years , I ’ve seen many beekeepers use alloy brackets , nails and other originative ways to patch together broken top stripe or reinforce cracks and splits . Having a supply of such things at your disposal to broaden the life of a frame is an option . However , with the rising terms of ironware , you might be better off just replacing the small-arm of damage woodware if you require to purchase brackets .
What is the extent of the frame damage?
When working a hive or scavenge up underframe , the most commonly damaged serving of the skeleton is a snapped bottom bar or remainder of a top bar . Bottom bar substitution is normally a elementary fix and can be made by remove the broken small-arm and nailing in the refilling . Top bar can be more difficult depending upon the style of shape , and terminate measure repairs generally require more intensive work because of the wiring from foundation . Each maker now has multiple styles of Italian sandwich - top and rut - top frames that require different parts and structure methods . check that you find the eccentric of frame that matches your personal style of beekeeping .
Final Thoughts
No matter what selection you make , whether to mend or supercede , be intimate that there is no “ one ” resolution for everyone . prepare what you could do easily and move on . When frames are pass to be too time - exhaust to mend , consider deconstructing it and saving it for excess parts . If you ca n’t consecrate enough metre postulate to make all your form , focus your energy towardharvesting the waxyour bees worked heavily to pull together . you could always makecandles , sass balmsorsalves . bring your unkept or erstwhile soma that are beyond repair to a campfire and make some s’mores . You ’ll eff the sweet fragrance of the wax and , more importantly , enjoy the greater welfare of time spend around the fire with family and champion .
