Can I use diluted bleach to sterilise old comb?

[drstitson]

"I found mouse droppings in there so just want to sterilise before I give them back to the hive"

plenty of hives will have had mice droppings (and, of course, mice) in them over winter.

bees'll do all the sterilisation you need - a coating of fresh propolis and Robert is your proverbial. No need to make extra work for yourself.

 

[alanf]

There's an article by Ken Basterfield on using acetic in the October 2013 BBKA news (pdf in members area on website). Useful precaution against Nosema, wax moth, chalkbrood - not EFB despite claims elsewhere. Ignore the counter a couple of months later that confuses glacial and 80%.

80% acetic is available from the usual bee supplies sources, although may be cheapest in litre quanties from soap making suppliers.