Cleaning flow frames after SHB slime out due to Varroa Mite weakening colony

General Bee Chat
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Hi there, sadly my hive was weakened by Varroa Mite and then overpowered by SHB late last week. I’m now attempting the clean up so I can store the hive away for a while. However, I am having no luck getting the slime and all the wax out of the flow frames. I’ve tried the offical advice using pressure washer and also tried a really hot soapy water soak but I just can’t get it clean enough to leave in storage (concerned about mold). Or clean as the photos in this article (https://support.honeyflow.com/do-i-need-to-clean-the-flow-frames/).

I’m sure a lot of flow hives have suffered the same fate of late? How is everyone handling the cleaning of the flow frames for future use in aftermath of Varroa and SHB?

Sad time for beekeeping :frowning:

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(After attempted cleaning)

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If the pressure washer method isn’t working for you maybe watch this video by Kat Andrews in NZ on how to disassemble, clean and reassemble.

1 Like
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Hi Sammond7, I have a mate who has used an ultra sonic cleaner on his ones after his hive was slimed out and he says it worked well. He had to bust them up and do them in multiple batches but he said it was worth it. Haven’t tried this myself, but worth looking into this approach some more. Good luck!

Cheers

Craig