Used frames

[umbriel971]

Hello all. I have a question about some used frames. I just bought about 40 supers and other stuff from a man who got out of BKing about 10 years ago. Most of the supers came with frames of drawn comb. I have read here and other places that it is ok to use this stuff. I have sterilized ALL the frames and the boxes with fire and with a 15% bleach solution and I know the gentleman did not have any problems with EFB or AFB when he quit and layed up the equipment.

My question is this. Many of the old combs have bug damage on them. Not wax moth stuff by a worm like bug. No wax has been eaten through, but there are lots of cocoons and bug turds all over the combs. It is a real mess. And they look horrible.

1. Is it worth my time to clean these up?
2. If I hose off the worst of it will the bees clean the rest?
3. Should I just cut out all this old dross and put in starter strips? I have no new foundation and my purse is lean from getting all of this stuff. I got some new foundation but it is for shallow honey supers.

To me it seems risky to put new bees into old comb like this. I have some TBH's already and wanted to try out some Langstroth gear for experience sake so I dont mind foundationless frames

Your experience and opinions would be invaluable.

Thanks

Matt

[mandalynn]

I had a similar situation. I removed all of the old comb and replaced it with foundation. I asked some beekeepers, and they said that was ok to do because the comb is probably too brittle.

[Chef Isaac]

I would get rid of the frames and start over. Then you know the history of your frames.

[EastSideBuzz]

Mine came built and drawn out also. I am hoping they give my bee's a head start by not having to build them out.

[Chef Isaac]

the problem is that you do not know the history of those frames. For example, maybe the beekeeper you got them from had American Foulbrood. Maybe that beekeeper used tons of chemicals.... maybe even off label. You just do not know.

Just get new frames and foundation and let the bees pull it out into comb. Then YOU KNOW the history of the comb.

Its like sharing a needle. Yea, it is gonna cost you a little to get a new one or you can buy them used.

I wouldnt want to buy frames used. You have no clue what the history if it.

[beedeetee]

Personally I think that the most valuable part of used equipment is the comb. I have used "used comb" off and on for 25 years and have never had a problem that I knew about. I suppose it is a risk, but based on my experience, a fairly low one.

You could just take the best, lightest combs and use them to get your hives a head start and replace any black thick comb with foundation.

[Chef Isaac]

the phrase being "that you didnt know about"

[dickm]

It seems the comb actually has no value. It's riddled with wax moths. They don't actually eat the wax. What's left is the frames. Do take 5 to the cleaners, just for the experience. Scrape them and remove all wax. Then consider they may still contain AFB spores. Contrast that with the cost of new frames at $1 each or so (plus building). You can crank them out pretty fast with air tools and a jig. You need the foundation anyway.

dickm

[Chef Isaac]

couldnt say it better Dick!

[beedeetee]

the phrase being "that you didnt know about"
Meaning that I couldn't tell the difference between the hives with used frames and my other hives with frames that I cycle out a couple per year.

[Chef Isaac]

didnt know one could see AFB spores with the naked eye.

My point is that it is not safe to use used frames from someone elses operation. Would you purchase used underwear? A used needle? Eat off someone elses dirty fork or spoon?

[JohnK and Sheri]

We have purchased and utilized plenty of used comb over the years but never anything that had been sitting unoccupied for 10 years or that we didn't have some idea of it's history. If bees were on the comb within the past year, it is in good shape and you know there were no disease issues, it does give them a head start; it is worth more to us than bare foundation, but 10 year old wax is no good. The bees would tear it apart and start over so you are actually giving them more work than starting from scratch.
I agree with the consensus, bite the bullet and buy new frames.
Sheri

[Cedar Hill]

Forty supers means at least 400 frames. It's not chump change. Did the very same thing many years ago. Pick your best drawn frames and clear the wax from the remaining frames. Melt the wax and send it to Kelley's in exchange for some drawn foundation. Of course you will have to buy foundation as well. It's how many of us start in the business of pollination. Good luck.

[Cedar Hill]

the phrase being "that you didnt know about"

This could apply to just about anyone's hives. Drones from our hives visit any other hives they want to in the vicinity (a couple of miles) of their original hives. So... within just a few weeks whatever has been lurking in someone else's hives may be found in your own. Constant vigilance is the answer to this problem not tossing out what may be good esp. with someone who has lean pockets after buying the equipment. OMTCW