"Foundation-less" frames for Cut Comb Production (PART ONE)

For some time now, I've been using this technique to make standard 'deep' frames 'foundationless'.  I've found the benefits to doing this are many but here are some of them:

1.  Using a 'starter strip' the bees jump onto this during the Spring build up and will draw these out in a about 3 weeks with a strong hive.  This gives them something to do and I feel it may discourage the swarm impulse.

2.  Fresh comb is built by the bees using the cell size that they want.  I wonder if this helps with varroa mitigation.  I am always surprised to see feral colonies on my place that are 'living wild' with no treatment!  Makes you wonder!

3.  A deep frame of drawn/honey packed with make 8 cut comb pieces with a little left over for the press to get that left over honey.

4.  Frames are re-used and thus saves time and money.  

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The first step in the process is clean the old frames up.  This can be tricky because the wax is often very hard and difficult to remove - especially in the grove in the top bar of the frame.   I've found a great solution.  Using a small 'steam generator' is built a double boxed setup as a frame 'sauna' to melt the wax and to sanitize it.  

Simple Frame Steamer Setup

They sit in the steamer for about 1 hour and by then the wax stuck on the frame easily comes out.  A hive tool or frame pick is perfect for cleaning these out.

I usually put the frames in the direct sun to complete dry out before moving on to the next step

A long time ago, I found a couple fo crock pots at a yard sale for wax melting and filtering.  A perfect use of 5 bucks and these are dedicated to this task from now on.  Here you see my wax setup and prepped frames ready to get their wax starter strip.

Wax Melting Station Setup

Temperature Hive Study: Late Winter - Early Spring 2026

 I'm always curious as to what is going on inside hive this time of year.  

Purchasing two data logger devices, I placed one of these in an empty box to monitor the 'ambient' temperature in the bee yard.  The second sensor was placed in a live hive that survived the winter.  Every hour the temperature was recoded on the device.  The results you see here were from this testing period.

The results were very interesting.  The survivor hive kept the hive about 40 degrees on average higher than the ambient.

Interesting on how the hive 'works' to keep the temperature steady as much as possible.  

Reuse that ProNuc Box as a Swarm Lure !

 SWARM LURE BOX IDEA

Good Afternoon!

I came up with this idea last night.  My mind does this to me time to time!  :-)😅

Basically, it is the ProNuc box with a rachet strap attached to the box.  This is critical because when you are up on the ladder - this is very awkard and dangerous.  I used large headed screws to attach the strap plus I used a leather punch to make holes in the strap so the screws would work without 'bunching' up the strap.

Three screws attach the strap as shown.  Be sure to use a leather punch to make holes in the strap BEFORE screwing it to the box

Use the 'hook strap' and attach it like this.

I used one frame that was drawn with some honey.  The other 4 frames are waxed but just foundation to allow for room for the swarm to settle in

Using a free standing ladder (BE CAREFUL!)  Swing the strap about a tree like this.  This does take a bit of 'wrestling' to get the strap in the rachet.  I found that attaching it loosely THEN adjust the box to the right direction.  Place the lid, make sure the lid fits securely, and use a small stick or block to 'plumb it up' the box so it sits perfectly upright.  Square to the grond and level as much as possible.

This shows the rachet strap setup

All set!   Ready for some new tenants to arrive!

Feed Preference Tests

 Feed Test Results - initial.  This colony consumed this in just two days.  The ProBiotic feed is in the 4th jar in the bottom pic

 Rescued a wild colony that setup 'shop' in a basement!

After pulling off sheetrock and some gentle cool smoke to calm them down a bit.

We gently transferred the removed combs with brood to temporary frames use rubber bands to keep the comb upright in on the frame.  Then, the frame was put into a normal 8 frame box.  Later that evening, I carefully placed these boxes onto an existing hive for merging.  This is important because the existing hive provides the warmth to keep this brood warm.  Yes, it is hot during the day but by early morning it would be in the 50's which might hurt and chill the developing brood.  

We hope for the best!  It was very rewarding saving them as the owner wanted them removed which would involve killing them. 

Temp frame solution - using rubber bands

Using DuMor Probiotic Recipe for 1:1 treatment

Recipe:  2 CC of Probiotic power to 1 gallon of syrup (Warm)

1 Tsp of  DuMor Amino Acid/Vitamin mix

Mix thoroughly. 

Pro-DFM and Powder Sugar Dispenser/Applicator Idea

 So, I've been using this 'pro-biotic' for some time now and I find it really helps!  

But the problem was getting the application in - using a spoon and container.  Of course, I would spill the stuff from time to time so this afternoon I came up with an idea.  A 'pro-dfm' shaker.

Its a big 'salt shaker' using an old peanut butter jar.  It was washed and cleaned out and I drilled some holes in the lid.  It has a 1 to 1 mix ratio of the Pro-DFM and Powder Sugar.

1/8th inch holes

Just a few shakes and its on!  NO spoon, No Mess, QUICK

They really LIKE it!