SANITIZING DOCUMENT PDF

TOOLS NEEDED

Hive scraper

Scrubbing brush

Bucket for debris

Detergent

Bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite)

Rubber gloves & eye protection

Large container for bleach bath

Pressure washer

Solar wax melter

SANITATION OF BEE EQUIPMENT

BASIC HIVE SANITATION

1. Scrape off excess wax and propolis: Use a hive tool or scraper to remove any wax or propolis buildup from frames, supers, and other equipment. Dispose of debris in trash or solar melter.

2. Use a 10 % bleach solution:
   Soak equipment in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.

3. Rinse and drain.

Use gloves and protective eye equipment

Store bleach in the dark as it breaks down in sunlight.

Scrape well because bleach only kills spores that it contacts.

Tip: Sodium hypochlorite 0.5% will kill AFB spores in 20-30 minutes.

Household bleach is 5% sodium hypochlorite. Dilute 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.

HIVE EQUIPMENT CLEANUP

WINTER DEBRIS

Use a pressure washer with hot soapy water to blast off any debris on boxes or tools. Water temperature should be 70 degrees celsius for best results.

AMERICAN FOUL BROOD DISINFECTION

Start cleanup by removing the source of infection.

1. Scrape the wood parts.

2. Scorch wooden hive bodies with a propane blowtorch.

3. Burn frames that have scale or diseased larvae.

4. Scrub woodenware with a stiff brush and hot soapy water

Finish treatment of equipment with one of the following methods

5. Soak equipment in 5% hypochlorite (1 part household bleach:9 parts water) for 20-30 minutes

6. Pressure wash with hot (70 C) water

7. Hot paraffin dip 160 C for more than 10 minutes

8. Steam sterilizee

9. Irradiate equipment at Sterigenic.

No methods, except for irradiation, will completely eliminate spores. They reduce spores to a level which will not normally reinitiate clinical symptoms.

NOSEMA DISINFECTION

Glacial acetic acid, can be used as a disinfectant for nosema infected bee equipment. Household vinegar is typically 4-10% acetic acid and not suitable. Recommended concentration is 80%. It is not effective for AFB. (Method from L.Bailey and modified by Paul Kelly University of Guelph)

Indoor Method

1. Heat an isolated and sealed room to between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius (77-86 F). This temperature should be maintained for the duration of the fumigation.

2. Stack brood chambers four high on a closed pallet. The bottom boards should be removed and burr comb should be scraped off the bottom and top of the frames to ensure that the boxes fit together tightly.

3. Place a glass pie plate or similar container on top of the frames in the top box.

4. Put an empty super on top of the brood chambers. Tape any holes in the boxes.

5. Pour 500 ml. of 80% acetic acid in the container.

6. Cover the stack with a hive lid or inner cover.

7. Close the door and place warning signs in the appropriate locations to prevent accidental injury from exposure to the fumes or contact with the acid.

8. The acid will evaporate in approximately one week. Leave for longer if necessary.

9. Air the equipment out for several days before using.

Outdoor method: The same methods as above seal the stacks of brood chambers. Outdoor temperatures must be 20 to 30 degrees C. Appropriate measures should be taken to prevent accidental exposure to the acid.

DISINFECTION BY IRRADIATION

Electron Beam (e-beam) or gamma (Cobalt 60)

Sterigenic (was Iotron) Burnaby

Irradiation of bee equipment is a process that uses ionizing radiation to sterilize beekeeping equipment. This method can be used to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens that may be present on the equipment.

1. Clean the equipment thoroughly to remove any dirt, wax, or propolis. Make sure that the equipment is dry before packaging.

2. Package the equipment in a container or bag that is suitable for irradiation. The package should be made of a material that can withstand radiation exposure, such as plastic or cardboard.

3. Irradiate the equipment at 15kGy for EFB or 10kGy for AFB.

4. Mark boxes that have been irradiated as it is hard to tell the difference post irradiation.

5. Store the equipment in a clean, dry place until it is needed.

It's important to note that while irradiation can be an effective method for sterilizing bee equipment, it may not be suitable for all types of equipment. Some materials like nails and staples may be weakened by radiation exposure. Consult with a professional before using this method to sterilize bee equipment.

WAX MOTH CLEANUP

Freeze equipment by placing bee equipment in a deep freeze for several days. Sub zero temperatures can kill pests or pathogens, especially wax moth.

All life-cycle stages of the wax moth, including eggs, are killed by freezing at the following temperatures and time:

• −6.7 C at 4.5 hours

• −12.2 C at 3 hours

• −15.0 C at 2 hours.

Urban Bee Network

SOLAR WAX MELTER

Melting wax using solar heat is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to process beeswax from honeycomb or other sources.

1. Purchase of make a solar wax melter using a large box, aluminum foil, and a sheet of glass or plexiglass. The box should be painted black to absorb the heat and lined with aluminum foil to reflect the sunlight.

   The glass or plexiglass sheet is placed on top of the box to trap the heat.

2. Place beeswax or full frames in a heat-resistant container and position it in the solar wax melter.

3. Tilt the solar wax melter towards the sun. The solar rays will heat the box and the wax will melt, dripping down into the container below.

4. Filter the melted wax using a cheesecloth or other filter to strain out any impurities.

5. Gather the wax in a heat proof container for reuse in candle making or for comb foundation.

Cleaning a Bee Suit or Coveralls

1. Hand wash: with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent. Gently agitate the bee suit in the soapy water, paying extra attention to any heavily soiled areas. Avoid scrubbing too hard as this may damage the nylon mesh .

2. Rinse thoroughly: Once you've finished washing the bee suit, rinse it thoroughly in clean water. Make sure all of the soap has been removed from the fabric.

3. Air dry: Hang the bee suit up to air dry, preferably in a well-ventilated area. Avoid using a dryer as the heat may damage the nylon mesh.

Cleaning up propolis

It's important to treat propolis stains as soon as possible, as it can harden and become even more difficult to remove over time.

1. Let the solution sit: Allow the cleaning solution to sit on the affected area for a few minutes to penetrate the propolis.

2. Scrub the area: Use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the affected area, working the cleaning solution into the fabric. Be careful not to damage the fabric.

3. Rinse with water: Rinse the area with water to remove the cleaning solution and any remaining propolis.

4. Wash the clothing: Wash the clothing in a washing machine with a mild detergent, following the care instructions on the clothing label. Be sure to check the clothing for any remaining propolis before putting it in the dryer, as the heat can set any remaining propolis and make it even harder to remove.

Urban Bee Network