Hi Aaron, Regarding chalkbrook, personally, I wouldn't worry about it and just use the equipment. Just be sure the hive is placed in a sunny spot with good air flow. I had one hive here in Western Washington state that came down with chalkbrood in 1978 and I always got a good harvest from them (until I got careless - it died from AFB this last winter). Cheers! Dave Pehling WSU Cooperative Extension [log in to unmask]