damage to outer brood comb

[bbadger07]

View attachment 5798

Well im not sure what the cause of this damage, there was no visible mouse signs as there was no droppings or smell of urine in hive, im just not sure and would like to see what the forum member thoughts are on this one..

again thanks all for their input

kind regards

 

[birchdale]

Did you open the hive today? If so, why?

 

[drstitson]

any chance you missed the woodpecker hole?

DOI: I did! 23rd Dec 2010 when OA'ing at Dusk on way home after work. Result: a cluster on stings on my thigh.

 

[bbadger07]

Did you open the hive today? If so, why?

just to put fondant on and this was clearly visible ont first comb

 

[Cazza]

That looks mouse nibbled to me but happy to be told otherwise.
cazza

 

[drstitson]

have you replaced it with a piece of Kingspan or similar? or left an empty space for the bees to heat?

 

[Into the lions den]

View attachment 5798

Well im not sure what the cause of this damage, there was no visible mouse signs as there was no droppings or smell of urine in hive, im just not sure and would like to see what the forum member thoughts are on this one..

again thanks all for their input

kind regards

Either mouse or shrew........the latter can sneak in and out easily, though they normally just shave off the face of the combs rather than go through the midrib. However, this looks like it has been a dud deformed comb anyway which means shrews are still very much a live option.

 

[drstitson]

have you replaced it with a piece of Kingspan or similar? or left an empty space for the bees to heat?

and are you sure those aren't little black mouse droppings we can see on the far side of the bottom bar?

 

[bbadger07]

ive just put it back in ive got some drawn with store to replace it

 

[bbadger07]

have you replaced it with a piece of Kingspan or similar? or left an empty space for the bees to heat?

and are you sure those aren't little black mouse droppings we can see on the far side of the bottom bar?

no the dead bee abdomens

 

[Finman]

.
To me it seems mouse. If the comb have had pollen in that site.
There is still some pollen cells there.

 

[drstitson]

some greyish pollen visible?

 

[Finman]

.

Now it is best to repair that comb. Cut a same size piece of foundation and glue that piece into comb with melted wax.

Bees reapair it themselves but they propably make drone combs into the hole.

 

[bbadger07]

ive got some drawn brood comb with stores spare, i guess the mouse has now buggered off now so will replace combs and fit mouse guards

 

[drstitson]

"and fit mouse guards"

there's your answer!!!!

 

[bbadger07]

aye i will drink to that

 

[susbees]

"and fit mouse guards"

there's your answer!!!!

Sigh....