Cleaning Hives
Arbeiten am Bienenstand
Hives and frames from dead or diseased colonies must not be reused without cleaning.
Hives and frames from dead or diseased colonies must not be reused without cleaning. First rough mechanical cleaning with a hive tool and knife, then either flaming or washing with hot caustic soda solution. When flaming, it is enough for the wood to discolor slightly; make sure the surroundings are fire-safe.
Caustic soda is always mixed cold, otherwise a violent reaction occurs. For cleaning, a hot two-percent solution is given, up to five percent at lower temperatures, and three to five percent in a disease outbreak as instructed by the official veterinarian. The solution is strongly corrosive: an apron over the boots, chemical-resistant gloves up over the elbows, face protection. Rinse afterward with clear water and let dry. Talk to the wastewater disposal service before disposing of the solution.
With American Foulbrood, this is not a free choice. Under the Bee Disease Ordinance (Germany), apiaries, hives, and equipment must be cleaned and disinfected as instructed by the official veterinarian and under official supervision; straw hives are burned. Flaming alone only reduces the spores. For old frames, the effort is often no longer worth it compared with buying new ones.