Hi Aaron,
Regarding chalkbrook, personally, I wouldn't worry about it and just use
the equipment.  Just be sure the hive is placed in a sunny spot with good
air flow.  I had one hive here in Western Washington state that came down
with chalkbrood in 1978 and I always got a good harvest from them (until
I got careless - it died from AFB this last winter).
 
Cheers!
Dave Pehling
WSU Cooperative Extension
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