I used a propane torch for purifying the FRAMES too, in addition
to the boxes. Using a bleach to boot sounds like an overkill to me.
 
On Sun, 1 Feb 1998, Gary C. Lewis wrote:
 
> Hello,
>    I have frames and hive bodies that have not held bees in a few years
> do to a move. I use a propane tourch to burn the inside of the hive
> bodies and scrap the frames to remove old wax and whatever else might be
> sticking to them.
>     I have a few months before my bees get here and was wondering if
> soaking or washing the frames with Chlorine bleach would be safe. I
> would then put the frames outside to dry. I would think that the smell
> of the bleach would be gone after a few weeks if not days.
>    What more do I need to do to insure that there is nothing alive in
> this old stuff so I can use it this spring? I have new frames but would
> like to re-use the old ones as I have 100 or more.
>
> SEYA...G..
>
> Gary C. Lewis
> Duke Center, Pa.
>
 
**John Iannuzzi, Ph.D.
**38 years in apiculture
**12 hives of Italian honeybees
**At Historic Ellicott City, Maryland, 21042, U.S.A. (10 miles west of
   Baltimore, Maryland) [9772 Old Annapolis Rd - 410 730 5279]
**"Forsooth there is some good in evil things
   For bees extract sweetness from the weed" -- Bard of Avon
**Website: http://www.xmetric.com/honey
**Email: [log in to unmask] [1jan981031est]