In a message dated 03/04/2005 06:03:01 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> Two of my hives did not make it through the winter. The outer frames still
> have honey. There are dead bees throughout the hive, and even in on hive,
> mold. How do I clean out my frames, remove the dead bees, and prepare the
> comb and hive boxes for new bees?
>
Depends what they died of.  It is safest to assume that they died of
something noxious and virulent that will persist on the combs. If you act on this
assumption there will be no danger of the next occupants suffering the same fate.

Take everything out of the boxes and scorch the insides with a blow torch.
Take everything out of the frames.  You may wish to recover the honey for
personal consumption, but don't let any bees get at it.  Burn or bury everything
else.  The frames can be cleaned with caustic soda or scraped and scorched
before re-use.

Be of good cheer, swarms will be along soon.

Chris

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