Amy Thompson wrote:

I was wondering what you
>experienced beekeepers do to put your tools to bed for the winter?  How do
>I clean my veil, and get the propolis and grunge off of my gloves?  Should
>I oil or sharpen anything?  Do I need to do anything to the smoker?


Freeze your gloves and scrape off the propolis, then wash off the honey with
dishsoap and water.  They will be stiff after they dry until you use them
enough to soften them up. Wash your hive tool.  Your veil and smoker are
fine.  The main reason to clean your hive tool and gloves is to prevent the
spread of disease.

Marc Studebaker
Geneva, IN.