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removing old wax buildup with propane torch
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Posted by thisbud4u San Diego (My Page) on Wed, May 16, 07 at 23:36
As many of you know, bees have very sensitive noses. They especially don't like having the insides of their homes painted. Today, a friend of mine removed the old wax from some frames and boxes with a propane torch. The wood didn't get burned, but just a trifle toasty perhaps. My question is, has anybody done this? and if so, do the bees mind the smell of slightly toasted wood?
On a side-note, if bees will tolerate this treatment, it could be a great way to disinfect hive equipment that has been abandoned by bees following CCD. We now know that there is at least one pathogenic organism that is causing CCD and we also know that it is transmitted on hive equipment. The chances of such an organism surviving the direct assault of a propane torch is pretty close to zero, so this might be a good way to disinfect hive boxes. However, this approach is predicated on the belief (as yet untested, by me at least) that bees wouldn't mind the smell.
If anyone knows for sure, please post here.
Ah, one more note: is it considered uncool to cross-post this thread on the Beesource (it would be I guess if alot of you are reading both bulletin boards). |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: removing old wax buildup with propane torch
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| scorching the insides of hive bodies is pretty common as a sterlization practice when buying used equipment. The bees won't mind. |
RE: removing old wax buildup with propane torch
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| Whew! Thanks, bandit. This is great news. |
RE: removing old wax buildup with propane torch
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| I acquired my equipment about 10 - or more years ago - all very old. The propane torch is the way I have always refurbished old boxes and frames. Whenever I remove any frames the old wax, wires, supports are thoroughly heated with the torch, and all debris then scraped away with a hive tool. Not until I'm thoroughly happy with the cleansing, are new wax inserts, wires, etc. replaced. Easiest way to go - I don't care to use lye to disinfect the frames. I do wash the frames after they have been torched, to remove as much chared substance as possible. The bees don't seem to mind and the honey is not contaminated. Just my 2 c's. Bejay |
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