Hey, thanks Robo!
It's interesting, I've also been told that due to the inherent nature of swarming bees to want to get busy straight away in their new home drawing out new comb, that this old comb might just be ignored! I can see the logic in that, of course, but it left me wondering then why beeks sometimes use old comb in swarm and bait boxes...? (And yes, this empty comb is in great shape - it's only from this season, which is why I really hope to see it used and not just stuck in the melter.)
As for preserving the old comb... my hives are mouse guarded so no issue there, but what about moths and such? Should I not just remove the mouse guard and cork that hole up as well? Or having screened bottoms, will they still get in no matter what? I could take them inside, but maybe the cold is better...?
And what's your take on removal of the bee corpses from those cells? There are also a few dead larvae remains and even some old bee bread. Should I try to clean these combs up best as I can and then stick them back in the hive?
Lastly... (sorry... so many questions!)... Do you think I can use one of these or an empty comb in the weakening hive, to paste fondant on to and insert there? (It's about 45' here today, so don't know if it's too cold to do that.)
And as for where 'here' is... I see you are my neighbor! :lol: I've added my location as "Catskills/Hudson Valley" ...I'm located down in the foothills, nestled happily between the Blue Mountain area and Woodstock.
Thanks for all your help and time! (It is highly appreciated!)
~J
PS - Thanks for inserting my photos!