I have had a problem cleaning off the plastic frames.  I have best
success in the cold of winter.  Scraping old brood comb when cold
will pull much of it away from the plastic, leaving it bare.  But,
there is always some stubborn portion that just cuts off at the tops
of the plastic cells, leaving a smooth area.  The bees often then draw
this out as drone or bridge across to the next frame.  Has anyone
found a way around this?
 
Withthe talk of irradiation to sterilize equipment, Can it be used
on the plastic frames?  Scraping and packing them in alternating
positions as they are shipped reduces the volume by about ?30%? so
this would reduce sterilization costs, based upon volume (I have heard).
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+    Raymond J. Lackey, EAS Master Beekeeper, VP LIBA      +
+    Twelve years exper with 25 colonies on Long Island, NY+
+    INTERNET: [log in to unmask]                       +
+    Mail: 1260 Walnut Avenue, Bohemia NY 11617-2176       +
+    Home Phone: 516-567-1936  FAX: 516-262-8053           +
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