Apiary Hygiene - Cleaning methods
- Freezer
- Dismantle hives etc.
- Put them in the freezer at -20C for 48 hours.
- This kills wax moth.
- Whilst they are cold scrape of all wax etc.
- Safely dispose of all scrapings.
- Scorching
- Use a blow torch or hot paint stripper.
- Use the tip of the central blue flame.
- Scorch till wood is colour of instant coffee granules
- Pay particular attention to inside corners and seams.
- Washing Soda
- Beware Washing Soda (Sodium carbonate)is corrosive.
- Wear eye protection.
- Wear gloves.
- Wear an apron.
- One part Washing Soda to five parts warm water
- or 1kg Washing Soda to 5 litres warm water.
- Add a touch of washing up liquid - helps wetting.
- This will keep up to a month in a closed container.
- Frames can be immersed in the solution. Rinse well.
- Washing Soda does not destroy AFB
- Bleach (Sodium hypochlorite)
- Beware Bleach(sodium hypochlorite)is corrosive.
- Wear eye protection.
- Wear gloves.
- Wear an apron.
- Bleach is 3% sodium hypochlorite.
- Sterilisation requires a 0.5% solution
- Use 1 part bleach plus 5 parts water.
- Other techniques
- I used to work in chemical laboratories.
- For the techniques below I would use:
- A fume cupboard,
- Full eye protection
- Arm length gloves
- Possibly a glove box.
- Possibly remote handling tools.
- I would not use any of the techniques below.
- Acetic Acid
- Highly corrosive - including concrete and metal
- Dangerous fumes
- DEFRA have a leaflet on the subject.
- Boiling Caustic Soda (Sodium hydroxide)
- Highly corrosive
- Dangerous fumes
- DEFRA have a leaflet on the subject.
- Immersion in molten parafin wax
- Working near the flash point. Fire is a big risk.
- DEFRA have a leaflet on the subject.
- Irradiation
- Highly dangerous for the hobbyist.
- Only for those with a nuclear reactor near their apiary.
- DEFRA have a leaflet on the subject.