used Hives

[Hoot Owl Lane Bees]

Thoughts? I have been offered some old/new hives & frames that have been stored in a old truck shop. They were new when stored on a shelf about 8' up two years ago. My concern is the shop smells like diesel fuel. How will the bee's react to these?

Thank You
Jim

[Cleo C. Hogan Jr]

Chances are very good that the bees will clean them up and start using them. If they are contaminated, the bees won't bother them. I would not be concerned about using them.

cchoganjr

[Joebee]

Diesel be fine....

[Riverratbees]

Just set them out in the air and air them out and the bees will do the rest. If when you put the bees in the hive if you still have strong odor use a couple of rocks and open the top for extra ventilation for a day or two.