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I wash them, hot wash, in the dishwasher, and use them once cooled, assume that's fine, given food is prepared and served on plates cleaned in a dishwasher. Simon

Quick reminder Mike's talk for Cambridgeshire Beekeepers Association is on Wednesday. Register via Mike Palmer talks to us about 'Brood Factories' Simon

I could but I've got some frames to clean........ As Eric said, if you join CBKA as an associate you can see all there talks on line, it costs £7, although I believe their year runs from January, so you may want to wait. Simon

Really enjoyed it, thanks Murray and Cambridge BKA, really interesting. Looking forwards to Mike Palmer next month. Simon

Well 83p if there are a dozen frames, and given that Moobee only has three hives I reckon that's not far off what she probably paid, she's unlikely to be buying vast numbers in sales (of course I might be wrong), but even at a fiver seems a waste, unless she literally has money to burn..... Simon

Why would you burn £10 (approx) of frames when 10 minutes with a blade and blowtorch can clean them? Simon

I saw that too Dani, they also have Mike Palmer in December. Tickets (free) available on Event Brite Simon

I've just made a raised bed and thought I'd try copper tape. Just done a quick test to see if it works.......well that was a wasted fiver! Simon

Exactly!

Depends where you're putting it. If above a closed off crown board, in an eke or super, then no reason I know of not to use them. It's not exposed to the bees or the elements. Simon

There's nothing magic about PIR, if you're looking for insulation, then some expanded polystyrene, roof insulation rockwool or fibreglass, insulation from a frozen food delivery, even an old blanket or bubble wrap if that's all you have. PIR is probably better, has a higher insulation value...

They have enough stores to keep going, so I would feed 2:1 to build up stores for winter. As I said, there's plenty of time. Simon

Hi I don’t think you’ve too much to worry about, but a few questions. What type of brood box and construction (Poly or Wood)? If Wood and you can reduce the space in the box by removing a frame at each side and replacing with insulation board, less essential IMO if a poly box, but worth doing...

Just got a plug on the beeb Chelsea Flower Show programme. Simon

Just on my way home from the Chelsea Flower Show. Obviously for the time of year fewer bee friendly flowers in bloom (but still good numbers). Clear winner for the number of bees was a new shrub to me, Seven Son Flower, or Heptacodium miconioides. Saw two specimens, both covered in honeybees...

I really like mine, each to their own... Simon

I'm no fan of reality TV but it seems beekeeping is about to be caught up in it. New show on the beeb, see link Show me the honey at the end of September. "five children and their families taking part in a series of weekly challenges to create the best hive and tastiest honey, with the winner...

Hi It's centigrade, but mine isn't hugely accurate so recommend you get a thermometer and start low and keep a note of the temperatures it actually achieves. Simon

Thanks I think it must be apple or wooly or roundleaf (all the same) mint, Methna rotundifolia or Mentha suaveolens (again seem to be the same thing). My reason for doubting is I don't get any apple smell / taste. But I can't find anything else and everything else is right. Anyway, brilliant...

I've got a mint growing which has been covered in bees, honey and bumble, hover flies, butterflies and many other flies and moths for at least a month and still going strong. Sadly I'm not sure which mint (should keep better records), if anyone has any bright ideas..... Simon