Game
What to do with a Dead Beehive?
Jul
Disclaimer: Brace yourselves, folks, for this extraordinary piece might just unveil a treasure trove of affiliate links. Yours truly, an esteemed Amazon Associate, shall be bestowed with bountiful rewards for your qualifying purchases. Do take a moment to peruse my disclosure though, it’s quite the riveting read.
Input: Everyone dreams of having healthy productive bees that produce tons of honey year after year. Keeping bees can be a great way to product honey for your family. And, they are a lot of fun to watch. Alas, everything is not always rosy in beekeeping. In spite of your beekeeping skills, you will have some hives to perish. When a honey bee colony dies it is often called a “deadout”. Once it has happened, -now what – what do you do with a dead beehive?Imagining a world filled with thriving, industrious bees that generously yield bountiful honey is a dream cherished by many. Delving into the realm of beekeeping not only provides a delightful means of harvesting honey for your loved ones but also offers an enchanting spectacle to behold. Nevertheless, the path of a beekeeper is not always strewn with roses. Despite your adeptness in beekeeping, the unfortunate demise of some hives is inevitable. When a honey bee colony breathes its last, it is often referred to as a melancholic “deadout”. But what lies
Discovering a lifeless hive amidst your buzzing bee haven is a disheartening sight to behold. The blow is even more crushing for budding apiarists, whose optimism soars upon acquiring and carefully placing bee bundles, brimming with dreams of thriving colonies ahead.
Input: It can be quite exasperating to witness the demise of a colony that never managed to survive its inaugural season. However, it is equally disheartening for an experienced beekeeper to witness the failure of a hive. Regrettably, the occasional loss of hives is a familiar occurrence in any apiary.
The demise of beehives symbolizes not only wasted time and financial resources, but also evokes a surge of emotions. As humans, our natural inclination is to immediately inquire about the cause behind this unfortunate event. The desire for a comprehensive clarification consumes us.
Input: Could this tragedy have been averted? Am I to blame for the demise of the buzzing bees? We may not always uncover all the elusive solutions we yearn for, yet it is commendable to endeavor into the realm of diagnosis.
Why Beekeepers Fail to Detect Dead Beehives Right Away
Ascertaining the demise of a beehive is no ordinary task for a beekeeper. Whilst appearing deceptively straightforward, the answer to this seemingly simple query harbors a level of complexity that defies initial assumptions.
Routine hive inspections are essential for effective hive management, which is why modern hives are equipped with removable frames, distinguishing them from the traditional straw bee skeps of the past.
Conducting regular inspections throughout the warmer season diminishes the likelihood of being caught off guard by the demise of a colony. Nevertheless, unforeseen occurrences can still occur.
Winter brings about another intriguing phase in the life of a struggling colony, where unexpected surprises may unfold. The frosty season discourages frequent hive inspections, as the bitter temperatures pose potential risks to our cherished bees.
Even during the chilly Winter season, honey bees, being cold-blooded creatures, diligently maintain a sustainable temperature within the brood area of their hive, regardless of the reduced brood population.
Curious about your bees’ well-being in chilly weather? Here’s a nifty technique to put your mind at ease. Simply press your ear against the rear of the hive and deliver a gentle knock on the hive’s surface – be prepared to catch a fleeting hum.
Become Part of Our Buzzworthy Beekeeping Network.
Input: Free “Secrets to Successful Beekeeping” plus weekly newsletter with info about bees, beekeeping and more…Unlock the mystifying “Secrets to Flourishing Beekeeping” and receive a delightful weekly publication brimming with fascinating insights into the enchanting world of bees, beekeeping, and beyond…
When beekeepers solely depend on the bustling bee activity at the hive’s entrance to assess the well-being of their hive, their judgment might be utterly mistaken. It is plausible that what they observe are cunning robber bees diligently purging the remnants of a lifeless hive, rather than industrious foragers from within.
When leisurely strolling past the beehives, precious insights about the state of the colony can be gleaned. However, to truly comprehend, one must delve into the depths within.
Input: Have you ever pondered the moment you last examined the hive that now lies lifeless? It’s possible that you assume it was fairly recent, but what if it happened further back in time than you imagine? How were the conditions within the hive? Feel free to consult your beekeeping journal or notebook, if necessary.
Inspecting the Dead Beehive– Hive Autopsy
The demise of a bee colony is a poignant occurrence in the realm of beekeeping. It engenders a myriad of emotions, ranging from disillusionment and sorrow to a tinge of remorse.
However, it’s crucial not to fixate excessively on the adverse consequences of losing a hive. This occurrence is an inherent part of beekeeping and frequently beyond one’s control.
Seize the chance to engage in a diagnostic endeavor. Should you come across any glaring issues, consider utilizing this knowledge to safeguard a future hive.
Occasionally, one may stumble upon lifeless bees within the hive, while on other occasions, the box may present itself as utterly vacant. However, it is important to note that this does not automatically imply the bees have departed or fled. During the hotter months, yellow jackets and various other wasps take it upon themselves to rid the hive of deceased bees.
The comb may harbor opportunistic bugs like earwigs, cunningly seizing any opportunity for a free meal, yet they hardly pose a significant concern.
Where is the Cluster of Dead Bees?
Have you ever come across a fascinating sight of lifeless bees, arranged in a peculiar cluster with their heads buried deep in the comb? It’s quite intriguing to spot such a phenomenon and wonder about the precise location of this peculiar gathering.
Can you spot the sweet treasure trove of honey near the cluster if the colony hasn’t fallen victim to food theft? The absence of accessible nourishment might indicate a dire hunger situation.
In the realm of bee survival, even a minuscule group of bees can perish due to their inability to generate sufficient warmth, despite the presence of nearby honey. Similarly, a substantial congregation of bees may meet their demise if they cannot access honey in their vicinity.
In the midst of frigid conditions, the bees find themselves trapped within the cluster, unable to venture out towards their precious honey reserves. On certain occasions, they steadfastly cling to tiny patches of brood, ultimately leading to the demise of the entire hive.
Inspect the Bottom Board
Have you observed any traces of mice or their droppings on the hive’s lower board? It is not uncommon for a colony to abandon their abode upon the unwelcome arrival of mice.
Take a keen observation of the deceased bees residing at the hive’s base. Can you spot lifeless varroa mites or malformed bees adorned with withered wings? If such signs are present, it is plausible that your mite control regimen might not have yielded the desired outcome.
Concealed beneath a facade of vitality, a robust hive teeming with an overwhelming invasion of mites may deceive the casual observer – only to meet an abrupt demise caused by an unforeseen mite explosion.
In the realm of perished bees, one might stumble upon the presence of diminutive Hive Beetles or their offspring. Should these beetles have wreaked havoc upon your hive, the honeycombs will be teeming with wriggling beetle larvae and a viscous residue.
The warm weather, particularly in the later part of summer and into fall, often leads to colony collapse attributed to beetles. There’s no need to fret about the occasional presence of a few beetles in a colony, but it’s important to keep an eye on their population. If you notice a rise in numbers, it’s advisable to promptly set up hive beetle traps within the hive.
Wax Moths Do Not Kill Bee Colonies
The remnants of bees and hive debris may harbor Wax Moth larvae, yet it is crucial to acknowledge that these moths serve as Mother Nature’s diligent janitors. During the balmy months, these moths may take up residence, but it is imperative to note that they do not bear responsibility for the decline of robust colonies.
Beekeepers frequently lament the demise of their precious bees at the hands of wax moths. However, the truth is quite different. Wax moths cunningly infiltrate feeble or lifeless beehives, discreetly depositing their eggs upon the delicate honeycomb. Fortunately, thriving colonies promptly expel these unwanted intruders, be it in the form of eggs or larvae.
Fragile colonies or lifeless hives devoid of defenders transform into a thriving sanctuary for moths. Within the honeycomb, the moth larvae ingeniously carve their tunnels, leaving a trail of intricate webbing and excreting remnants known as frass.
The wax moths were not responsible for the demise of your colony. However, what led to the hive’s initial state of feebleness or depletion?
Any Signs of Disease?
Disease may not be the primary cause of colony demise, but it’s certainly a possibility. Numerous elusive bee viruses and pathogens remain undetectable beyond controlled laboratory environments. Frequently, the reasons behind colony failures remain a mystery unless you submit samples for thorough examination and diagnosis.
Furthermore, a multitude of causes can be attributed to the various symptoms observed in bees. Diarrhea, which can be a result of Nosema disease, can also be triggered by other factors. The contents of our hive often remain a mystery.
When it comes to diseases, the one that demands the utmost attention is American Foul Brood (AFB). This ailment does exhibit distinct indicators. Should you come across any lifeless brood in the beehive displaying symptoms associated with AFB, seek assistance from your state extension service.
The brood ailment poses a grave threat, with no known cure and a tendency to swiftly infect neighboring hives. Any equipment sourced from infected colonies must be avoided and, in most instances, completely eradicated. The apprehension surrounding AFB remains a significant peril when considering the purchase of pre-owned beekeeping gear.
How to Clean Out a Dead Beehive
The extent of effort necessary to sanitize an expired colony relies on the extent of harm found within the hive, coupled with the potential factor contributing to its demise. Any hive that is suspected of having AFB should be completely eradicated through incineration.
Surprisingly, upon stumbling upon an intact hive (with no suspicion of disease), there lies a possibility of salvaging a significant portion of the honeycomb. Such a fortunate discovery not only brings joy but also opens up an opportunity to replenish valuable resources.
Storing Good Drawn Comb for Future Use
Discard any comb frames heavily affected by wax moth damage, but disregard minor webbing or damage. A robust and thriving colony will easily repair any such imperfections.
Remove the antiquated, ebony-hued comb (so impenetrable it defies transparency) and substitute it by installing fresh wax foundation or, if you prefer, plastic.
In the case of employing plastic foundation, it is advisable to remove any damaged comb, webbing, and frass, particularly if the destruction is substantial. However, there is no necessity to substitute undamaged wooden frames unless there are suspicions of AFB.
Bees dedicate significant effort towards constructing their comb, which serves as a valuable asset for the entire colony. However, the beautifully crafted beeswax comb becomes susceptible to invasion by wax moths in the warmer months if left unguarded.
Induce a state of suspension in time for a few days (in order to eradicate any potential pest offspring) and subsequently store your boxes of intricately crafted honeycomb in either a well-ventilated shed or a secure area free from moths.
Can You Harvest Honey from a Dead Hive?
Harvesting honey from a lifeless hive is usually plausible, provided the honey appears untainted and invigorating (devoid of fermentation), and no chemical remedies have been employed against mites. Consuming or preserving it in a frozen state for future utilization by fellow bees should be deemed safe.
Numerous apiarists opt to “preserve honey frames by freezing” and store the intact frames within the freezer. Subsequently, these can be offered as sustenance to a future colony of bees, providing a substantial surge of vitality.
Keeping a stash of honey and pollen in the freezer is a wise move, ensuring that you are well-prepared for future needs- whether it’s for your own use or to support the buzzing bees.
How to Clean the Bee Boxes of a Dead Beehive
Once the precious resources have been extracted and carefully preserved, along with the elimination of any entangled webs and unwanted debris within the hive, what remains are solely the wooden bee boxes.
There exists a belief among certain beekeepers that cleansing the box using a gentle solution infused with bleach is a commendable practice. Though its efficacy remains uncertain, it is deemed as a harmless endeavor.
Should you stumble upon a forsaken beehive in utter disarray, prepare to witness the presence of wax moth cocoons nestled within the wooden compartments.
If you desire, you have the option to scrape them away effortlessly and use a torch to scorch the interior of the hive box, effectively eliminating any concealed moth eggs.
Ways to Lessen Colony Losses
Catching a hive in distress can often prevent the demise of beehives, provided it is done in a timely manner. Regular examinations of the hives provide valuable insights into the well-being of the bees.
Recognizing the essence of beekeeping lies in the occasional setbacks faced by colonies, a fact that holds even greater significance in the present era. Should such a situation arise, let it not weigh heavily on your spirits, but rather, find solace in perseverance.
Swiftly take action to safeguard all combs and other valuable resources nestled within the hive. When confronted with lifeless beehives, it is paramount to meticulously investigate potential triggers and salvage every conceivable asset to support future bee colonies. Revisit your meticulous beekeeping archives to ensure the colony stays firmly on course for the upcoming season.
Charlotte Anderson, the esteemed Bee Master, is a passionate advocate for the enchanting world of honeybees. With a heart full of dedication, she imparts her wisdom to aspiring beekeepers, guiding them on their journey towards mastery. Her relentless mission revolves around enlightening the world about the profound significance of honey bees. Notably, she was honored as the prestigious Beekeeper of the Year in the captivating realm of South Carolina.
