Inherited hive in disrepair

[Mrsmoe]

We recently bought a new home with a hive that is full of bees but the structure is nearly falling down. Our plan is to transfer them to a new langsroth hive. Any tips or suggestions on this?

[x-sfmed]

I dont know your level of experience but consider these things:
What is the condition of the frames and foundation and do they need to be replaced? If the frames have been in a hive that hasnt been maintained then is it safe to assume that frames/foundation are also bad? If the frames are in decent condition then you can just transfer the frames to the new hive. I always find the queen and transfer that frame first just so I know where she is and I don't have to worry about her getting smashed while manipulating the frames. Keep the brood nest together in the center and put the honey frames on the sides or even easier--just keep the order of the frames in the new hive the exact same way as they were in the old hive.

[Mrsmoe]

Thank you for your reply, I have no physical experience. I have been reading and joining groups. I have become more confused as I go along. the frames look bad, falling apart at corners. I have a new hive, my plan is to transfer the queen and as many frames as I can directly into the new hive. My concern is replacing the old frames with new ones later, still trying to figure out the best way to do that. Also, If I could ask you, I have read several different theories on moving a hive to different location. I will need to move this hive, it is in the place where a pole barn is going as well as it situated at the end of the property where most of the human activity is taking place, we will often be in their flight path. I would like to move it into a line of pine trees on the edge of a small orchard, this area is about a quarter of a mile from where they are now. Any advice on moving my hive? Thank you so much for your response, you are the only person I have heard from that hasn't wanted to just come and get it. Cindy

[x-sfmed]

Cindy,
Where are you located? It will be alot easier if someone can come out and see what you're working with. No need to post you address but if you're on the north side somewhere then I can probably come out. If you're on S side then maybe someone else can chime in and try to help you out.

Your idea about transferring the queen is correct. This is the best time of year to do this type of hive moving since the brood nest is small (but growing) and they're on the verge of a flow. Transfer the frame with the queen on it and any frames with brood into the new hive. Mark those frames with a marker on the top so you know which ones to discard in the future. Your new frames will be drawn out with wax when the bees start bringing in nectar. You will have opportunities to remove the old frames in the future. The best time would be this time of year next year. Assuming you put another deep on top of the deep with the old frames--the bees will move up during the winter. Around this time next year all of your bees will most likely be in the upper deep and if your old frames are in the 1st deep then they will be unoccupied and accessible to toss.
John