Beekeeping: DO THIS to SAFELY STORE Your COMB (Comb is Gold)

One of the keys to a successful honey crop year after year is the comb. Beekeepers know that comb is like gold if they want to be able to make a lot of honey fast. A box full comb can be filled with honey fast whereas a box of foundation that has to be drawn out requires the bees to use valuable resources and time and can limit the honey crop. So it is critical to figure out a way to store it successfully. There are many ways to do it. This is the method I have successfully used for years.
#brucesbees #beekeeping #beecomb
This year's honey harvest: • How We Harvest Honey (...
@brucesbees is a beekeeping channel, a vlog of sorts. Here we discuss apis mellifera, aka the honeybee. We give people a look into our sideliner beekeeping operation. We share successes and failures. We show how we feed bees and treat bees for pests, such as varroa mites, small hive beetles and others. I am not a treatment free beekeeper though at one time I thought I wanted to be. We also discus things that are important to us that I think apply to beginning beekeepers and more seasoned beekeepers alike. We also show the beekeeping techniques we use to manage the bees and harvest our honey and sell our honey. We talk about beekeeping equipment and tools. At times we also catch swarms of bees and have even done a few cutouts, though I usually leave that for the professionals. This is not Beekeeping 101, though hopefully the information here is useful. As my good friend @Mike Barry says, this is not a necessarily a "how to" channel. It's a "how I do" channel. I hope you will continue to join us as we continue to perform hive inspections, discuss important matters in the beekeeping world, meet other beekeepers, perform splits, grow our operation and just continue down the path of this wonderful beekeeping adventure. Let's GO!!!

[@FrederickDunn]

Nice presentation, Bruce! :) I'm getting several questions about this over the past few days, I think I'm going to give you my shout-out on Friday :) good stuff to think about, and I like it because it's very different from what I do so I think it's great for viewers to see a variety of options. Wishing you all the best!

[@brucesbees]

Awesome. Thanks Fred! I would rather store out in the open and not use the crystals but it is difficult with the number of boxes I have. I appreciate you watching and all you do. BTW I pulled out my Hive Butler and have actually used it a little after our ST chat a few days ago. Might order some more and see how it helps out in my operation.

[@FrederickDunn]

@@brucesbees HI Bruce, for small-scale backyard keepers the Hive Butlers are a great way to store and have extracted frames at the ready. For an operation as large as yours that's not practical but there are lots of other uses for them. Swarm transport AND moving frames of brood around as needed for hive boosting :) Thanks for the response :)

[@brucesbees]

@@FrederickDunn yes for sure. I used mine the other day to move some frames around and also to hold my queen as I completed an inspection. Just have to give it some more time to see if it is efficient. I think it will be. Also can use them for hive beetle slime outs to put the frames with beetles and larvae in while I process them so they don’t escape into the ground or other colonies. Just brainstorming a bit though. They are a bit cost prohibitive though so will really have to see the need to order more.

[@framcesmoore]

Thanks Bruce the video was great. Have a Blessed weekend

[@brucesbees]

Thanks!

[@framcesmoore]

@@brucesbees Ha Bruce this video I tell u what I went out there to get some drawn comb for some nucs that need some room and I found moths all the brood and honey boxes are in the garage it is closed up and I have nets on every thing yet There are moths in every box now I am pulling them out and freezing 4 deeps at a time in my freezer. I have that crystle stuff ordered from amazon will it kill the adult moth as well as keep young. going to stack them like u did after I have checked every one and froze each box for a couple of days. Thanks again for the video.

[@brucesbees]

@framcesmoore yeah I think it pretty much kills anything wax moth related. But haven’t really applied it when I had an active infestation going. Usually try to get them matured before that happens.

[@CooperBees]

Thanks for sharing your super storage process. Much appreciated.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks so much for checking in!

[@Lsmith-ly2cm]

Thank you Bruce for your quick response to my question .

[@vandubay]

Great video Bruce! Those crystals work well. Been using them on my supers and then air them out for a week or so before throwing them on the hives.

[@brucesbees]

Yep I know there are other products and techniques but I have had good success using the crystals.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Good demo Bruce!! I store my deep brood frames same way after I freeze them. Same ingredient and it works great. Good teaching video my friend!! Have a great weekend. Time slow down some….

[@brucesbees]

Yes. But now is when beekeeping becomes hard. Hopefully can keep them alive through the next couple of months.

[@gregdunn6422]

Looks good Bruce

[@brucesbees]

Thanks

[@StanGore-mk8ow]

Great video!!! well done Bruce!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks my friend!

[@hillbillyhippiehoneybees304]

Good advice!

[@honeyandthecoop803]

Great job, Bruce. I bought those same crystals awhile back for this season because wax moth have a way of wrecking my equipment!

[@brucesbees]

Good deal. They should work for you

[@beekeepinggarden165]

Great tips Bruce 👍 thank you

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in!

[@brettellis1837]

Brilliant.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in!

[@taddrienstra7247]

Note to self, but a decent blue tarp on trailer before wet supers to catch cappings

[@brucesbees]

That is a good idea!

[@fuzzynuggetsbees]

Very nice!! You’ve been working hard and making great videos. Good to see how you store your boxes. This is the first year I will have a stack of supers to store so will look for those Ice crystals. Thanks for sharing!

[@brucesbees]

Have worked for me for years. You can get them at Walmart but I have started buying them on Amazon.

[@brettellis1837]

@@brucesbees cheers I might get a item close to it I am in Australia north qld.

[@brucesbees]

@@brettellis1837 the key is that the active ingredient has to be paradichlorobenzene

[@SortOfaBeekeeper]

Another great video Bruce!! I appreciate your time and effort to help fellow beekeepers! One question, if you condense a hive down and have frames from a brood box that may have pollen and nectar in the cells, what is the best way to store them? Would your method work for these frames or is it better to keep them in a freezer if you have the space? Thank you💖

[@brucesbees]

I would say the freezer is always better is you have space. If the frames have nectar and pollen you can definitely freeze them but if you want to store them using the crystals I would set them out and let the bees clean them up before storing.

[@carybruton7284]

Thanks brother!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in!

[@سالمابوغالب]

عمل رائع جدا موفق

[@CastleHives]

I just started last year using Paramoth and works great. Perfect timing on this video.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks Brian. Yeah it can be a dilemma. Hope it helps some folks out.

[@g.morris570]

Love your videos.. you are a couple months ahead of me

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching!

[@timmorris7022]

Used this last two years on all ten of my supers(lol).I wrapped every one with pallet wrap and put a lid on top.December in ky i put them outside under my carport so air and light can get through them.Just wondering if i could skip the crystals?I know Mike Barry i dont think uses crystals or does he ?Great video ,keep posting.

[@brucesbees]

I think Mike uses crystals on comb that has had brood in it and I think he stacks his honey supers under an awning but he tips them on end so they have exposure to light and air. That works but it is not possible for me in my situation.

[@timmorris7022]

That pulled comb is gold .Gotta protect it

[@brucesbees]

@timmorris7022 absolutely.

[@eliasdeleon9424]

I'm wondering if this will work in my hot humid Texas weather. Thanks for this video.

[@brucesbees]

Absolutely. I live in hot humid south Alabama.

[@alhambraorchardapiary4882]

Nice, hope to have that much comb some day.

[@brucesbees]

If that is your goal you will.

[@scottreese5492]

I was told the fumes only go down, I put a pan on top, put the "paramoth" in the pan then seal top lid with palet wrap plastic. Fumes go down

[@brucesbees]

That is my understanding too.

[@JCsBees]

I wouldn't use plastic to fill holes between boxes, did you know wax moths can eat plastic? Years ago, I tried to store supers in trash bags the following spring when I went to get supers they were loaded with moths and I learned they can eat plastic. Last year, I read that land fills were going to start using wax moths to break down plastics. Curious why your storing supers now, Do you not get a Fall flow? Enjoyed the video!

[@brucesbees]

Not enough of a fall flow to be worth harvesting. And the cotton honey, though it is tasty, crystallizes very fast. I typically leave it for the bees to have for winter but if we have excess coming in I might consider pulling some. Good to know about the plastic. I will keep an eye on it. It seems like no matter what k do I lose a few frames here and there but not a significant amount. We also have a lot of issues around here with SHB. It is important to try to keep the bees crowded at least some as we go into this summer dearth and also get the honey off or the Hive Beetles will have a hay day. Especially in colonies that are weakened for any reason. This is my least favorite time of year as a beekeeper.

[@trichard5106]

I put mine on a paper towel on the top box.

[@BohemiaBees]

I do the same.

[@brucesbees]

Yeah makes sense. As high as I stack them though I feel like I need to put them a little bit more regularly in the boxes. Not sure the fumes would drop 16 boxes.

[@lomavistabeeco]

I stack my boxes 8 high and use a shim at the fourth box and on top. I place a paper plate with crystals at the shim in the middle and at the top of the stack. This way, when it gases off, I have top to bottom coverage.

[@hootervillehoneybees8664]

I just let them get robbed out never get moths knock on wood...I use queen excluder not sure if that helps keep them cleaner

[@beebob1279]

The para moth sold at the bee supply shops is outrageously expensive. I’ll check the stores instead. What store do you recommend?

[@brucesbees]

Amazon or Walmart. Enoz Ice Crystals. I show the package in the video.

[@Lsmith-ly2cm]

Can you use them in brood boxes with comb empty stored for winter? thanks Bruce

[@brucesbees]

Yes. Be sure to use enough. I peeked in on some of my brood boxes today and there was some damage. Didn’t have enough to treat properly. Added more. Hopefully will take care of the problem.

[@brucesbees]

The wax moths are more likely to get into brood comb. They like the comb that has had brood develop and seem to also like pollen.

[@donbearden1953]

Bruce, I use the same product. I use either paper plates with a lot of small holes or either window screen wire to put my moth ice crystals on so the fumes can go down. Then I put a piece of plywood on top of that. I stack them about 6 or 7 high. Now I guess it’s Apiguard time. Please be careful in the heat watching over those girls.

[@brucesbees]

Yeah man. It’s the time of year when I usually lose some. Have lost a few but overall they look pretty good.

[@AN-OLD-BEE]

I am curious to know if storing honey frames in walk-in freezers and coolers during the winter is a good practice. I have recently extracted honey from my beehives and I am looking for an effective way to preserve it for later use. I have heard that storing honey frames in a cold environment can help prevent crystallization and preserve the freshness of the honey. However, I am not sure if this method is reliable or if there are any potential drawbacks to consider. As such, I would appreciate it if you could provide me with some detailed advice on this matter. Thank you for your help.

[@brucesbees]

If you freeze the honey it will preserve it. Assuming you mean frames with honey still in them. Are you planing on extracting before storing? If you are taking about frames of comb then freezing will definitely preserve them.

[@AN-OLD-BEE]

Yes. Extract the honey and store the wet frames (extracted) into a freezer for the season.

[@brucesbees]

@AN-OLD-BEE yeah I think that would work

[@uswwt]

These moth balls contains p-Dichlorobenzene. Probably it all evaporate after winter. Heck, all the veggies and fruits that we eat are soak with pesticides. Farm raised animals are fed with whatever chemical or antibiotics. So a bit of p-Dichlorobenzene is probably no big deal. But for me, because I can, I don't use any chemical to preserve my honey super comb. I always use excluders. So the moth doesn't like the clean comb as much. Every year after winter I can find a small amount of moth activities my comb. The bees will take care of that easily when I place the supers on.

[@brucesbees]

If I didn’t do something I would have a devastating result. Would rather not use it but it has worked well for me for years.

[@uswwt]

@@brucesbees I agreed. For commercial purposes, using pesticide is inevitable. A small amount of that stuff is not going to hurt. I am just a backyard bee keeper. I can even afford to throw away all honey comb and let the bees draw new ones every year. Commercial is a different game.

[@Swampsquash]

Do you have to add more crystals at some before spring? (if it was in video I'm sorry, I watched it a few weeks ago and may have forgot some of the details)

[@brucesbees]

It probably is best to reapply after a couple of months. I don’t always do that but used to prior to having so many bees.

[@hardwarerelated]

First thank you for the video. Second, what process do you go through before putting the supers back on the hives?

[@brucesbees]

I will be doing that soon. It is best to let them air out for awhile before putting them back on the hives.

[@gingerbrimer8486]

Where do you leave your supers for the bees to clean? By the hives or some other places?

[@brucesbees]

Near the hives.

[@joeelam1]

We’re did you get the hive mover seen at 1:45 in this video? I looked around for something like it .

[@brucesbees]

Mann Lake. www.mannlakeltd.com/extracting-bottling/honey-bottling-equipment/ez-lift-hivetruck/

[@daverowden-RowdyBeeFarms]

I use the crystals also. Works like a charm. Do you pull all your duper or leave some on? Thanks for the video like always

[@brucesbees]

By the time the season is over pretty much all the supers are pulled but we did leave just a few on. May pull a few boxes of honey in a couple of weeks but to won’t be much.

[@rtxhoneybees]

Somehow you got the product I use (Enoz brand para moth balls), but in the crystals package. Probably a factory error. Exact same chemical, just in a moth ball and not crystals. It also comes in a larger puck. I use a shim and paper plate at the top. I have to refresh the product a time or two so the breaking up into 4 super zones wouldn't work for me. I stack about 7 to 9 high. I dont think it matters because the gas from the product is heavier than air so it settles. You could probably just put yours at the top in a dish and not worry about the dividers.

[@brucesbees]

Enoz Mothballs have the following ingredients: Naphthalene (99.95%). Other Ingredients: (00.05%). Ice Crystals active ingredient is paradichlorobenzene. I have always heard that the Mothballs are not safe to use with bees. These ice crystals are in the form of little balls but have the proper ingredient. It seems when I order them sometimes they are in ball form and sometimes crushed into the crystals. I agree about the dish but if they fall down between it works out fine. The dividers are just damage control in the moths get into the stack somehow. As you say they are probably not really necessary.

[@rtxhoneybees]

@@brucesbees You are confusing Enoz Mothballs with Enoz Para moth balls. The Mothballs are labeled "old fashioned mothballs". Paramoth balls are p-dichlorobenzene. I get mine from Tractor Supply because they have the best price. Even better than Amazon, Walmart, or from Enoz. Ill follow up this comment with the link to the product.

[@brucesbees]

Hey I just found the Enoz para moth balls you were talking about and you are right. Looks like they are the same thing as the ice crystals. I just hope people look at the ingredients and make sure they are getting the right thing. I learned something today from you. Thanks!!!

[@PKBees]

Thanks for the video. I've heard about using the ice crystals, but have been afraid to trust them.

[@brucesbees]

Yes it can make a person nervous. But as long as you use the right product it is not issue.

[@jeffreykellum]

I usually use a paper towel to make a pile on between the boxes.

[@brucesbees]

That would work too.

[@howardhoffman7933]

would this be safe if you have frames with some honey and bee bread?

[@brucesbees]

It is safe but the bee bread tends to get moldy and then dry out and the bees are less likely to use that comb or they will pull it out.

[@apatriot1762]

I have been pulling honey frames and replacing them with drawn frames but leaving my supers on year round with excluders in Florida? Is that okay?

[@brucesbees]

If it works for you then it should be ok. My only concern would be ventilation issues if it gets cold or hive beetles due to too much space.

[@StanGore-mk8ow]

Do you have the amount of crystals you would use for ever four boxes --thanks

[@brucesbees]

I just pour some in and try to sores them out. I ordered a 6 pack so tried to kind of estimate how many it would take. Maybe should use a few more than I did in the video. I think the bag actually has a cubic foot measurement on it but have never really been too scientific about it.

[@hootervillehoneybees8664]

I've got stack of nuc boxes in storage like that.. think I'll lose my mind if I don't get them filled before winter

[@brucesbees]

Hopefully you will. I have a bunch of nucs stacked as well.

[@lynnhughes6350]

Hardest working man in the southeast

[@brucesbees]

Whew. I do work hard but I’m sure there are others who work harder.

[@donstanley8514]

I use the same thing. I put political signs as gaskets, cut them to size.

[@brucesbees]

Makes sense.

[@mikejohnson3375]

Great video. Roll Tide

[@brucesbees]

Thanks. Roll Tide!

[@scottreese5492]

I'm glad you showed that brand, the "paramoth" seemed a little pricy. I'm thinking about insulating a box truck with spray foam insulation and keeping it at 50°, I heard that works, just can't afford that step right now

[@brucesbees]

Yes I think that would work well and actually be preferred but as you say some things can be cost prohibitive.

[@kentmeredith2945]

Are you completely done with your honey season already?

[@brucesbees]

I think so. Might pull just a little bit more in a couple of weeks.

[@theohiohousewife]

Honey house tour please. With dimensions

[@brucesbees]

I know actual dimensions, but here is a video of our harvest. We extract at RanCan Bee Ranch. Not my honey house. My friend Rusty has the facility and we combine our extraction equipment for efficiency purposes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHWrnneLi95nopY

[@Gallowaylights]

😢 hot stacks