I have read that the recommendation is to replace combs every several years because they store pesticides and other contaminants. But, I assume most beekeepers then melt those combs and sell them which is then processed into foundation. So, when we buy foundation, are we not buying someone else's contaminated wax?
They say that when the combs go black, to get rid of em, if not before. I dont think commercial foundation suppliers would use this, or indeed accept it for sale, treated or otherwise.
I gather its flitered somehow, "weed free" is the term they use here, tho I dont know if weed is weed, or weed or something else :roll:
Wouldn't the chemicals go inert if the wax is sitting in the sun inside of a solar wax melter?
Quote from: mick on March 04, 2009, 04:05:16 AM
They say that when the combs go black, to get rid of em, if not before. I dont think commercial foundation suppliers would use this, or indeed accept it for sale, treated or otherwise.
I gather its flitered somehow, "weed free" is the term they use here, tho I dont know if weed is weed, or weed or something else
"Weed"! Hmmm, if it was weed, I'd sell a lot more comb honey.
Quote from: bassman1977 on March 04, 2009, 12:22:34 PM
Wouldn't the chemicals go inert if the wax is sitting in the sun inside of a solar wax melter?
While some chemicals do alter themselves with time, others do not. I personally use the rendered wax from such comb only to seal my leather boots. I do not sell it.
If you treat your hives with chemicals that contain heavy metals or are oil based the wax absorbs them. If you buy wax foundation from any of the major suppliers out there the foundation has chemicals in it.
Dark wax can affect honey and it's color or flavor.
You do not need to replace brood frames however if it has gotten brittle it probably needs to go. Usually bees will chew off old wax and replace it.
Sincerely,
Brendhan
>So, when we buy foundation, are we not buying someone else's contaminated wax?
Yes, you are. Maryann Frazier has done the research on this.
You can see a presentation by her here:
http://www.beeuntoothers.com/
Go to about the middle for the part about new foundation being contaminated.