The Montgomery County Beekeepers Association is once again organizing a hive irradiation program which is open to Philadelphia beekeepers as well. They are gathering people together to sterilize woodenware from hives that may have died due to disease -- foulbrood, etc. -- that could linger and kill off replacement bees. I picked up some used hive woodenware and plan to do this as a preventative measure. This is a technique that has been used by various clubs around the country for 10-20 years.

They are planning to do irradiation again in the third or fourth week of March. Irradiating one pallet costs $125, and 42 deeps fit on a pallet, so if people can combine their hives, it should only cost a few dollars per box. Mark Antunes, president of the Montgomery County beekeepers, will help match people to pallets. Members can email him at honeyhillfarm@verizon.net to get on the list and with any questions.

Here's a link:

http://montcobee1.farming.officelive.com/irradiation.aspx