Existing frames from a Hive that has Failed.

I have 2 hives. About a month ago I discovered one of the hives had failed. The hive box is still fairly full of honey.

My question more specifically is can I use that hive and existing frames as a home for a nucleus hive?

I don't understand if the sealed cells can or will be used by the new bees or the queen.

Hi

I assume when you say the hive failed, you mean that the bees either left or more likely died out. If the colony died for a known reason, one which won't affect the new colony, then I would certainly use them for a new colony. Obviously you don't want to pass an disease on to a new hive, but if you're comfortable that isn't the case then go ahead.

Since the frames contain capped honey, they can can be given to another colony, either one or two at a time, to boost their food supply, used to allow a new swarm to get quickly established or to create a split from the other hive if it is strong and will lend itself to being made into two colonies.

If there's a chance the frames might have varroa or wax moth you could put them in the freezer for a few days to kill off any eggs or larvae which might remain.

The Bee Guy