3.32 - Treating and Storing Comb

Question 1

Methods of storing comb for winter.

Answer 1

• Fumigate with acetic acid
• Freeze either in a freezer at -15℃ for at least two hours or hard frost over several days for hives stored outside will work.
• Store equipment in stacks making joints airtight with packing tape

Question 2

Methods of treating diseases and pests in stored comb stating the pest or diseases as well as the method.

Answer 2

FUMIGATION

• Fumigation with 80% acetic acid is effective against Nosema and wax moth.
• The acid needs to be treated with care as it can burn skin, ruin clothing and cause damage if inhaled. Wear gloves, overalls, eye protection and a breathing mask.
• Start with a solid floor, not concrete or metal as these will be attacked by the acid vapours. Place the first brood box/super with the comb to be sterilised on top. Place a square (12x12cm) of plastic sheeting on top of and in the centre of the frames with an absorbent pad on top. Soak with about 140ml Acetic Acid.
• Additional boxes and pads as required.
• Cover the top with a crown board and roof.
• There should be no gaps so best seal all gaps and joins with packing tape or similar. Better still seal with plastic sheeting or large plastic bags. The aim is for minimum escape of the fumes.
• Fumigate for at least a week and then ventilate for a further week before use.
• The frames should first be scraped clean and the boxes torched especially in the corners where AFB might lurk.

CERTAN

• Spray both sides of each frame with Certan (a suspension of Bacillus thuringensis)
• This provides protection from wax moth for a year. Does not taint wax or honey.
• Effective agains wax moth larvae.

FREEZING

• -15℃ for at least two hours effective against moths and larvae. • A hard frost outside will kill all stages of moth or 48 hours in the deep freeze.