Last resort

[LeaBees]

Not something I am keen to do but a weak colony with DLQ and also cbpv needs to be dealt with. I don’t want to shake them out in the apiary so am considering euthanising the colony. I have heard water with washing detergent should be poured onto the frames, but not how much and if it suits a OMF hive. Again, this is a last resort, so any advice gratefully received.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Yes soapy water works, enough detergent to foam
Not a nice job but if you need to do it then do it when the bees have stopped flying. OMF doesn't matter, just pour it copiously along every seam. When I did it I picked up every frame and shook the drenched bees into a bucket of the same detergent.
PS. Doesn't sound like a last resort to me. Sounds like you should just get on with it....sad, I know

 

[Boston Bees]

I have heard water with washing detergent should be poured onto the frames, but not how much

Lots - if you have to do it, make it quick, so have enough to drench every bit of the hive, with some spare left over

and if it suits a OMF hive.

Yes

You might want to have clean water nearby to dilute and wash away the soapy water on the ground, in case other hives find it?

You can pour it through a travel screen, placed on the hive earlier in the day, if you have one, though not essential.

 

[Ian123]

Close them up and a mug of petrol in the crown board. Much quicker than water spraying.

 

[Boston Bees]

Close them up and a mug of petrol in the crown board. Much quicker than water spraying.

But then every frame is unusable, no? And the box .... ?

If you are going to torch the whole lot, fine, but is that the case here?

 

[pargyle]

But then every frame is unusable, no? And the box .... ?

If you are going to torch the whole lot, fine, but is that the case here?

Just don't torch it with the petrol inside it !⚙

 

[LeaBees]

But then every frame is unusable, no? And the box .... ?

If you are going to torch the whole lot, fine, but is that the case here?

Intended on destroying the frames yes. As can’t know if virus stays with bees or in the frames.

 

[LeaBees]

Close them up and a mug of petrol in the crown board. Much quicker than water spraying.

Just pour mug of petrol into hive through crownboard hole? Would that not miss frames?

 

[pargyle]

Just pour mug of petrol into hive through crownboard hole? Would that not miss frames?

It;s the all pervasive fumes as it evaporates that kills the bees and gets into the wax of the frames ...

 

[Erichalfbee]

But the box is done for too

 

[Ron Birrell]

Petrol is by far the quickest and more humane way for wooden hives.
Not too good for poly equipment though. Washing up liquid for that.

 

[Boston Bees]

Petrol is by far the quickest and more humane way for wooden hives.

If you are intending to burn the hive, yes (the OP isn't)

If not, would you still use petrol? And then reuse the boxes with a nice odour of petrol to them?

 

[Newbeeneil]

If you are intending to burn the hive, yes (the OP isn't)

If not, would you still use petrol? And then reuse the boxes with a nice odour of petrol to them?

By the time you have scorched the boxes there is no odour left.

 

[Ian123]

But the box is done for too

No the box is not done for, wooden boxes are perfectly fine to reuse after the use of petrol even with a minimal clean.

 

[holmbee]

Just pour mug of petrol into hive through crownboard hole? Would that not miss frames?

Best to place old towelling or a similar material over the frames, then spread the petrol over the towel close up and leave overnight. Then burn the frames, towel and the mound of dead bees left on the OMF. Always distressing time. Sorry for you.

 

[Erichalfbee]

No the box is not done for, wooden boxes are perfectly fine to reuse after the use of petrol even with a minimal clean.

Ah. I have been labouring under a huge misapprehension. Thanks Ian.

 

[LeaBees]

Deed is done. Hope I never have to do that again. Thanks

 

[Erichalfbee]

What did you do in the end?

 

[LeaBees]

What did you do in the end?

Soapy water option. frames burnt and box, floor and crownboard super scorched.
Petrol somehow seemed fraught with danger.

 

[blackcloud]

What are we going to do when petrol engines are finally outlawed???