>
>   The method was taught to me by our (now retired) head bee
> inspector, Jerry Fischer.
>
> Into a 5 gallon bucket 1/3 full of water put dishwashing detergent and
> shake it up till the foam fills the bucket.  At night, close the bottom of
> the hive.  Pour the mixture in the top.  It might take a couple of these to
> completely do the job.  Afterwards, rinse the combs with a garden hose and
> let them dry and they can be reused.
>
> Marc Hoffman
>

I can see using empty drawn comb or foundation that has been washed this
way, but as for any bee bread, nectar, brood or honey frames, I can't see
how those are re-useable. I don't know how absorbed detergent might alter
the chemistry of the hive product. I would neither eat nor feed any of that.

That's why I like the Dry Ice method. Because all of the combs remain
untainted in any way; the active poison is carbon dioxide and leaves no
residue. You just have to use a lot of Ice if you're working with a mature
hive. Otherwise it takes too long and the contents of the hive become
ruined and spoiled anyway.

Ruth in Los Angeles

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