Using second-hand equipment is (always) something of a gamble, as you don't know for sure why those colonies died - and as a beginner the previous owner probably doesn't know for sure either.
If it were me, I'd remove as much comb from the frames as possible by hand, take them indoors to warm up (or gently use a hot air gun) then scrape as much wax off the wood as possible. Then run a propane torch lightly over the wood, just enough to kill any 'nasties' which may still be present. Make sure you have a tub of water handy, just in case any remaining traces of wax should ignite - after which those frames should then be 'good to go'. While the torch was lit, I'd take the opportunity of flaming the inside of the boxes as well.
The above may well be overkill, but personally I'd rather do that than take chances for the sake of saving a relatively small amount of money.
LJ