View Full Version : How to clean used frames?
Hello,
I had some hive losses and would like to start over. Can I re-use the plasticel foundations and frames from the old brood chamber? Is it possible to clean it or should I get new foundations.?
Also, the hive bodies and supers are a bit moldy. Can I use bleach or other cleaner and re-use the bodies?
Thank you,
Cris
RayMarler
12-27-2008, 07:35 PM
I'm going to reuse some plastic foundation in wood frames. I scraped off all the wax, and will use a high pressure nozzel on the water hose to get the remaining wax and pollen off.
How bad is the mold buildup on the boxes? I don't worry too much about that, but then it's never been a large buildup on mine. Every couple years I run the paint roller over the boxes and lids.
odfrank
12-27-2008, 08:35 PM
Hot pressure washer
brooksbeefarm
12-27-2008, 09:07 PM
I use a hand held propane torch on the inside,gets rid of old wax,propolis,and diseases that might be left from old colony.Jack
Brent Bean
01-11-2009, 02:44 PM
If the comb is clean, there is no sign of disease save it for splits or hiving package bees. They will develop faster on drawn comb. If you need to clean it off a scraper or your uncapping knife will work. Power washing isn’t necessary they will re-use it and they seem to draw it out faster once there has been previous comb built on it.
Drawn comb is a valuable resource use it.