>....which will you not believe.. I personally do not believe they must be sterilized... Me either. I think that may be a bit over cautious. Beekeepers generally don't sterilize their hives. Bumble bees sometimes use old mouse nests for their homes according to what I've read. It seems doubtful those have been sterilized before the bumble bees moved in. Regards, Dick Allen :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::