> If you are concerned about other pathogens, you can follow Bob Harrison's
> suggestion to spray them with 1:9 bleach solution.

I have always wondered about the correct ratio. (1:9 )

The mix dissipates fast so not ever worried about the comb but
thought I would like to get an expert opinion.

I have always done and highly recommend all beekeepers no matter the size of 
your operation to mist all honey processing equipment before use with a 
bleach/water solution.

On the proper ratio I sought the advice of the Kansas city health department 
and this lab
people.

I wondered if misting comb might need a higher ratio then food processing 
equipment.

What the lab  said surprised me but the department head assured me is 
correct.

When using a Clorox bleach solution to disinfect all you need is a small
Clorox cap full of bleach to a GALLON of water. A higher concentration will
not be more effective. I admit I have always used a higher concentration as
I bet most on the list has.

I mixed a gallon/cap full and a much better mix to use.

Now if a chemist BEE-l member believes otherwise please comment and I will
inform the health department. I looked through some Federal & state honey
processing facility guidelines and all say to use a clorox (bleach) and
water mix to disinfect but none give a ratio.

We are working deadouts now using the lower ratio. I think it helps , fast 
and cheap.
Acetic acid is hard to use ( as compared to a quick bleach misting) and in 
my opinion only needed for unusual situations. In my opinion the bleach 
helps with installing bees back into those boxes when the bees from the 
deadout had high nosema loads or even dysentery from normal causes like 
honey source winter confinement, etc.

bob

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html

Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at:
http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm