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apisanitas.HONEY BEE HEALTH
Hygiene and biosecurity

Cleaning and disinfecting equipment

Severity : Moderate Winter (empty equipment) and after any disease episodeReview in progress
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Key points

  • Mechanical cleaning always comes first: a dirty surface cannot be disinfected properly.
  • Scorching with a blowtorch remains the standard method for woodwork.
  • Wax and combs from diseased colonies are rendered or destroyed.
  • Clean hive tools and gloves between hives whenever disease is suspected.

Equipment is one of the main routes of disease between colonies: swapped combs, second-hand hives, a hive tool passed from hive to hive. A simple cleaning routine greatly reduces the risk1.

Basic rule

Always scrape off propolis and wax first, then disinfect. Grime shields germs.

Wooden brood boxes, floors and roofs

  1. Scrape thoroughly with a hive tool or scraper.
  2. Scorch with a blowtorch until the wood turns lightly brown, paying attention to corners and rebates.
  3. Let cool before using again.

Some beekeepers also use hot caustic soda baths. They work well but are dangerous: gloves, goggles, thorough rinsing and the guidance of your bee health organisation.

Photo needed — Brood box scraped then scorched with a blowtorch, the wood lightly browned.

Plastic and polystyrene equipment

No flame: wash with hot water and detergent, then use a disinfectant suitable for the material, following contact time and rinsing instructions.

Frames and combs

  • Render old dark combs and replace part of the combs every year.
  • After a brood disease, combs from the affected colony are destroyed or rendered as instructed.
  • For American foulbrood, burning combs and sometimes hives is the rule in many countries2, 3.

Tools and clothing

  • Hive tool: scorch it or dip it in disinfectant between apiaries, and between hives when disease is suspected.
  • Gloves: prefer washable or disposable gloves; wash suits and jackets regularly.

After a disease

If the disease is notifiable, follow the veterinary authorities’ instructions: they decide what must be destroyed or disinfected.

References

  1. FAO, IZSLT, Apimondia, CAAS (2021). Good beekeeping practices for sustainable apiculture. FAO Animal Production and Health Guidelines No. 25.
  2. WOAH. Terrestrial Animal Health Code, chapter 9.2: Infection of honey bees with Paenibacillus larvae. woah.org
  3. IZSVe, reference laboratory for honey bee health. American foulbrood factsheet. izsvenezie.com

Updated : October 8, 2026
Written by : Apisanitas editorial team
Reviewed by : Review in progress