Bee keepers only no B/S anwers?

Question

I lost all my bee's to the CCD now I want to get back into some bee keeping . my question is >> I have the plastic frames . are they safe to use with the new bees and how is the best way to clean them before putting them back in the box. they have some old wax still in cell's . I tried to scrape it off but that is one tough jobs I dont have hot water to clean with

Answer 1

you can use solvents like acetone to clean the wax.. . Plastic frames are also safe to use with the new bees. Scraping will not clean your box perfect. Before putting your new bees, do disinfect your boxes.

Answer 2

You don't have hot water?  You must be way out in the boon docks.  If you really don't have HOT water on tap then the other way is to boil the water over a open camp fire then soak the pieces in the water letting the wax melt to the surface.  That's the only way I can think of without chemicals which I know that you don't want to do!

Answer 3

I wish you the best! We need Bees! I would do everything over-wood boxes, new wax, and make sure no one is using pesticides that could even make there way back to the hive. CCD is as old as bee keeping. We do not know all the facts, but do as much as you can to get it right.

Have fun-Save lives.