In message <[log in to unmask]>,
rnessler <[log in to unmask]> writes
>        About three years ago I was given four hives.  The person who
>gave them to me said that I might need to take a torch to the inside
>of them to kill off any moths prior to setting them up.  Is this good
>advice, and ar there other things I should do?  Should I repaint them?
>
It is good advice, you could also consider having them dipped in hot
caustic soda, which is better if you can do it. Its not the moths you
should be worried about its Foulbrood diseases. If you paint them you
use a breathable paint because bees generate a lot of water vapour. This
will penetrate the wood and, if the paint doesn't breathe, the paint
will bubble off in a season. Paint is not usually necessary, Buckfast
and some of the NZ's dip boxes in hot wax !  Be *very* *very* wary of
insecticides in the paint or whatever, they are nearly always there.
I too think you should run at least two colonies, as Gerry Visel says,
its just as easy as one but keep spare equipment ready.
--
Dave Black
Blacks Bee Gardens,
Guildford, GU1 4RN.  UK.