[GloryBee]

I bought some hives at an auction last fall and it was to late to start a hive.

I would like to start a few hives now. When I had them inspected last fall I was told to dip them in a lye solution before using them and I think I was supposed to use a torch on the wooden insides of the boxes to blacken the wood.

Am I remembering correctly? Does this sound right to you?

I am ready to dip the frames, etc. What lye to water ratio should I use? Can I use a metal barrel, or do I need a plastic one.

Thank you so much for any input.

 

[Neubee]

If they had foulbrood, then you need to clean the hive or get rid of it. Are the frames drawn out? If so I would be careful about dipping them in lye, since wax absorbs chemicals.