Guilfordbeekeepers.org

Is it ok to use last years brood frames that still have a bit of pollen and honey on them when starting a new package? I know there might be some risk of disease. The pollen that is in the frames still looks ok, by that I mean not moldy. These frames also were out in last winters cold without many bees on them.

Hey Doug!

You know how I vote! Yes!
the bees will clean out the old pollen and remove any mold that bothers them.

Kurt

If they are out of your hives, or known hives, I also vote YES. Use them.

PS. The bees can clean them better than you, so don't waste time trying.

That's what I was thinking. Thanks Kurt and Wally. Hope to get 2 more nucs started very soon and picking up a package from Brushy on the 10th. Current hive had released their queen when I checked last Saturday afternoon. Hope to put another super on soon since they are on drawn comb. Was thinking of going back in this Saturday to see how the queen is laying. Is that too soon? Hive has taken almost a gallon of sugar water since last Tuesday when I installed it.
I am also letting them clean some of my medium super frames.
Doug

7 days after introduction is a good scale to go by to inspect.
Remember, it will be 21 days after she started laying before the first bee emerges. Then they will begin to grow. Don't add a super until 8 frames or more are covered with bees and have stores and/or brood in them.

Will do. Thanks again.