TBH peek and Wax Moths ...

Other than almost daily observation of the bees activity outside the hives, there has been no beekeeper intrusion into the bees' lives/hives. Today it was time for a check to confirm that there are adequate bars for future use. There are: five empty bars with B11 having comb drawn about 1/3 of the space. The combs on B11, B10, and B9 seem to be drawn a bit curved but still nicely spaced beside the previous comb.

At this time last year, the bees in the original TBH had comb on B12, about the same size as the current comb on B11. So, bees this year are only one bar behind bees of 2011 at this time of the summer. Although, they did have a head start with the two fully drawn combs from 2011 already in the hive when they arrived. (See July 16, 2011 notes for pictures; there was little new comb into August 2011.)

When I went to get hive tools to open TBH to check need for additional bars, I discovered that moths had taken up residence in the bin, with larvae and cocoons throughout the wax processing items and on the bars, spacers, etc. Interestingly, they only placed cocoons on untreated wood surfaces; any surface that was painted or stained was free of cocoons. Cleared the moth 'stuff' off the hard parts and wax and placed all in the freezer. Tossed the damaged fabric/plastic and leftover comb in a jar, which even though tightly covered had cocoons. Another of those lessons learned...