I had a disappointing trip out to Baab-Brock Farms today to inspect Knives 2.0’s hive. While I was smoking the hive, I noticed a lot of dead bees on the entrance which is unusual. It went downhill from there after opening up the hive. There were only a few bees on the inner cover and only a handful in the topmost super. There was also a wax moth just hanging out as well. The next super had fewer bees but 2-3 frames of capped honey.
The next super is when I knew something was terribly wrong. This was a honey super but had all the classic signs of robbing. The wax capping on the honey looked ripped open and all the frames were completely drained of honey. I didn’t have my normal camera crew with me otherwise I would have liked to get some photos.
Each additional super was the same story. No honey, no brood, and just a few remaining sad bees bravely trying to stem the tide of small hive beetles and wax moths which had invaded the weakened hive.
I now need to do some research on what to do next. I think it is too far in the season to save it. Do I just leave it alone and let nature take its course, or do I remove it and try and save as many frames of drawn comb as I can?
Urban Beekeeping in Austin, Texas 
Oh no, Karl!! So sorry to hear this! I just inspected last weekend and Louise’s hive has WAY too many small hive beetles. Got to knock those down before they weaken the hive more… I will be very curious to see what you are going to do now.
Oh no, those evil beetles. Sorry to hear this 😦 Might be best to destroy the brood comb in case some other disease is involved too, for instance the only symptom of nosema is a weak hive.
Do what you have to do to keep the wax moths out. They will cause frame and super damage. I learned the hard way and now have holes and chew marks where the wax moths made room to pupate. Major pain removing the cocoons.
I also lost a hive (my first) to robbing. Following the robbery SHBs, wax moths, and ants moved in in droves. I ended up removing all the frames from the hive body and freezing them, but I’m not sure if the wax is usable anymore. Please post what you do to restore the hive – I’d sure like to know!
I have a Daisy Girl Scout Troop that has been saving up to buy honeybees for a local garden or farm. We would like to help you. Can you please contact me.