To effectively sterilize beekeeping frames against pests, you must expose them to specific freezing thresholds to ensure mortality. The required parameters are either 20 degrees Fahrenheit for 4.5 hours or 5 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours. While these are the scientific minimums, leaving frames in the freezer overnight is the most reliable approach to guarantee success before storage.
Core Takeaway: Freezing is a definitive, chemical-free method for eliminating wax moth and small hive beetle larvae. While rapid freezing is possible at very low temperatures, applying an "overnight" safety margin is the industry standard to account for equipment variability.
Precision Freezing Guidelines
The Standard Freeze
For most beekeepers using standard household refrigeration equipment, the target is 20°F.
At this temperature, the frames must remain undisturbed for at least 4.5 hours. This duration ensures the cold penetrates deep into the wax and woodenware where larvae hide.
The Deep Freeze
If you have access to a high-powered chest freezer capable of reaching 5°F, the process is significantly faster.
At this lower temperature, the required exposure time drops to just 2 hours. This allows for faster cycling of equipment if you have a large volume of frames to process.
Best Practices for Success
The Safety Margin
Although the specific hour-counts are effective, strict adherence to the minimum time can be risky.
It is strongly recommended to leave frames in the freezer overnight. This acts as a buffer, ensuring the center of the frame reaches the kill temperature even if the freezer is struggling to cool a heavy load.
Post-Freeze Storage
Freezing is a sterilization method, not a permanent preventative measure.
Once the "overnight" cycle is complete, move the frames immediately to secondary storage containers. These containers must be sealed tight to prevent new pests from entering the now-clean comb.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Equipment Limitations
A common pitfall is assuming a freezer is at the target temperature immediately after loading.
When you place warm frames into a freezer, the internal temperature rises. The "timer" for the kill cycle should not start until the unit has recovered and returned to 20°F or 5°F.
Reliability vs. Speed
Trying to freeze frames too quickly is the primary cause of storage failure.
If you pull frames out at exactly 4.5 hours without verifying the core temperature, you risk leaving surviving larvae. These survivors can decimate stored comb within weeks, rendering your preservation efforts useless.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To protect your woodenware and drawn comb, choose the protocol that matches your equipment capabilities.
- If your primary focus is speed: Utilize a deep freezer verified to reach 5°F and cycle your frames every 2 hours to process maximum volume.
- If your primary focus is reliability: Place frames in a standard freezer at 20°F and leave them overnight to eliminate any margin for error.
Treat freezing as the non-negotiable first step in your storage workflow to ensure your equipment is ready for the next season.
Summary Table:
| Pest Type | Freezing Temperature | Minimum Duration | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wax Moth / SHB Larvae | 20°F (-6.7°C) | 4.5 Hours | Overnight |
| Wax Moth / SHB Larvae | 5°F (-15°C) | 2 Hours | Overnight |
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