Hello Tim & All,

Tim Morris wrote:


 Question 1:  Since AFB does a number so to speak on equipment, and the
 approved methods of cleaning up wooden ware is drastic, and or costly;
I was  wondering if anyone has seen any research in the area of sealing
the  spores  in using some of the newer space age acrylics, or other
sealants. Brushing  them on is out, but a spray??

Anything you do which will prevent contact between the bees and the
spores will work. *Equipment* alone makes it hard for me to understand
which parts you plan to spray.

 I received the post concerning bleach, and  suspect it works fine, buts
its really not approved here in the US.

I imagine you are refering to my post on bleach.  Bleach will kill AFB
spores if in contact with for a certain amount of time but I know of no
beekeepers which have tried or used the treatment including myself.
If You were using the bleach water solution on say boxes or frames
without wax I would say you would be using according to label.  After
using if you rinsed with water and let dry I see no use problem.  I only
know from tests researchers have done that the bleach WILL kill spores
its in contact with(about 20 minute exposure).

I have boiled a huge number of frames and boxes in a 55 gallon drum with
lye water. Never had a problem but best to have a beekeeper help which
has used lye before. I have scorched many hive parts before and have
never had a AFB problem from the treated parts. I don't do the frames
any longer because the frames allways came out flimsey and needed
repair. Many of the frames were frames from outfits I had bought out and
were incorrectly assembled and wired. It takes a lot of time to
Lye/water frames and boxes but if you are starting with old known AFB
equipment then maybe a good idea in the long run.

Others on the list will have to help you with the number two question.
Heating a hive is not something I would even consider doing.  Learn the
proven methods of beekeeping and then when you get experience experiment
all you want.
Sincerely,
Bob Harrison