New Swarms On Deadout Comb? (050)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast · Dec 2, 2021 · 16m

Can You Put New Swarms on Old Comb?

You've caught your first swarm. Where should it go? You don't have any new equipment to put it on, but you have an overwintered colony that didn't make it. Can you use the combs from that colony? Always the best answer – It Depends!

First, ask yourself, why did that colony die? Was it maybe American Foulbrood? European Foulbrood? If you don't know you need to find out BEFORE you put more bees in those boxes. Have them tested.

If the colony went queenless overwinter, there will probably be some dead bees and lots or at least some honey. But if there's no…