I have a 2 hives that were impossible to service for an extended period of time (the reason) for which I will not explain here. When finally checked, the bees were gone, and they had been taken over by moths, and the hives and frames are fully coated with webs. I think that burning with a torch, and then drenching in a water and bleach solution will salvage the hives, but how can I salvage the frames? Some frames contained wax, and some plastic
Why burn, bleach and soak with water? Remove as much webbing as you can, maybe spray with water to remove loose debris. Otherwise let the next hive you have occupy that hive clean it up right and rebuild. It happens in nature all the time. Winter is comming leave the hives outside and they'll freeze such any eggs from WM's or SHB's are toast.
Scrape them down and reuse them.
What they said. The torch method is really only for the control of foul brood specifically AFB and in that case the torch should be applied until everything is ashes. If you feel that you must the old timers would clean used or old equipment in a boiling lye bath though what it accomplished is not clear, but I'm sure they felt good about doing it.
Quote from: David McLeod on November 17, 2010, 06:37:29 PM
What they said. The torch method is really only for the control of foul brood specifically AFB and in that case the torch should be applied until everything is ashes. If you feel that you must the old timers would clean used or old equipment in a boiling lye bath though what it accomplished is not clear, but I'm sure they felt good about doing it.
A lye bath link you might like to see.
http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=248405 (http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=248405)
Bee-Bop
The torch gives one a good feeling deep inside when cleaning up moths or beetles in a hive. I am one of the few that do recommend using it for the well being of the soul. Just kill and burn the crap off, don't damage the frames, and keep down wind of everyone while doing this.
If you do decide to torch them, do so only until they are slightly crispy, but not charred all the way through. Quite tasty!! :-D