I did my first cut out today, thanks to encouragement from all of you and videos from JP and hardwood, I had the confidence to proceed. I tried to search for many of these answers, and got a few, but could really use some verification. I am way too spent to search further, but really want to save this colony.... Please forgive the dumb questions...I really have tried, but don't think the bees have much time to spare... THANKS in advance!!!
We cut into the shed floor, to find no capped brood...dark comb, and a bit of honey....A queen cell and a couple queen cups. This colony split 3 times two weeks ago. The feral hive we cut out today was absolutely infested with hive beetles...I squished every one I could when I saw them! No queen to be found, but honestly, this did not appear to be a 'healthy, strong' hive. Could the bees have split because they were getting overrun? Or did they get overrun because too many split??
VERY little honey to be found...and the few combs of honey were just about dry, and chewed up. (I assume from the hive beetles?)
They are now in a hive box, with as much (infested) comb I could salvage. I placed a beetle buster in there. Again, there was no brood.
How should I proceed to save the colony? I have two strong colonies, but hate to jeopardize them to save a colony that may have been ill fated....Or am I wrong?
Also, my jacket is absolutely COVERED with poop!! I am assuming they have Nosema...they have 2:1 sugar syrup available to them now with a front entrance feeder. Will this be enough?
Truly, sorry for all the rookie/new bee questions...this was a new event for me, and a learning experience. Anybody willing to help, I will truly be grateful!!! Thanks in advance!!! This forum is the bees knees...!!
PS...JP...If you read this, thanks for keeping me up until sun rise watching your videos!!! LOL!!! You're the Bee Master in MY book! Thanks for taking the time to make the videos...I learned a TON!!! Thanks again!