Saving Alpha

In an attempt to save Alpha, I have taken off both supers. I read online that this might encourage them to more aggressively attack the wax moths.

I also started building a new deep brood box for them. I just like the idea of putting them in a clean home.

I hope this will help.

A Belated Report

I have been a lazy beekeeper on two levels. First I have been doing only the bare minimum to keep tabs on my hives. I open them and then rush around trying to take care of any problem that arises. Secondly, where are the posts recording my adventures in beekeeping.

The good thing is that the girls gave me five gallons of the best tasting, prettiest color honey I have seen.

I inspected the hives this afternoon because I was curious what they had done with the frames from which I had extracted honey. Alpha had repaired the comb and drawn it out. The other supper looked untouched. The top brood box was loaded with honey, pollen, and grubs. I feel confident that they have enough to make it through the winter. I did not see any small hive beetles.

However, it all fell apart when I looked into the bottom brood box. All along one side were wax moth cocoons. Four frames had been infected so I pulled them out. They are in the freezer right now. I am going to build a new brood box and some replacement frames and use them in hopes of saving this hive.

I quickly checked Beta. It did not have any web moths.

I hope I can save Alpha.