You say the frames were scraped. Were they plastic foundation? Not that it matters; I'm just picturing a bunch of old frames and thinking you could have new ones for $1 or 2$ each. What could these old ones be worth? Radiation would be more of a consideration if you were trying to save drawn comb. It also matters if you are going to reclaim all 30 hives or not. If you are doing a few....definitely get new frames and slightly scorch the outer boxes.

Many people used antibiotics which would mask the presence of AFB. Do you know that part of the history?

The bees that are still there have a story to tell. If they are healthy it's a point in favor of keeping the equipment.

As you see, I come down solidly on both sides of the question.

Dick

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