HYGIENE

A Guide to Protecting Your Bees

Maintaining a clean and healthy environment in your apiary is critical to the well-being of your bees and the overall success of your beekeeping efforts. Effective hygiene practices help prevent the spread of pests and diseases that can devastate colonies. This guide will walk you through essential hygiene practices every beekeeper should implement to safeguard their bees.

Why Apiary Hygiene Matters

A clean apiary is the first line of defence against the spread of harmful pests and diseases. Bees are naturally resilient creatures, but they are also vulnerable to various threats, including insects, mites, fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Conditions like American Foulbrood (AFB) and European Foulbrood (EFB) can quickly spread through a poorly maintained apiary, leading to the loss of entire colonies.

Maintaining good hygiene practices minimizes these risks and promotes the overall health and productivity of your bees.

Common Sources of Infection
Understanding the sources and pathways of infection is the first step in preventing the spread of disease within your apiary. The National Bee Unit (NBU) identifies several key sources of infection:

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• Infected combs, including brood combs and super combs

• Honey, particularly from exposed combs or drums

• Beekeeping equipment that isn’t properly sanitized

• Beekeepers themselves, through dirty bee suits or gloves

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The spread of these infections can occur through:

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• Transfer of combs between colonies

• Robbing of weaker colonies by stronger ones

• Drifting of bees between hives

• Swarming

• Improper management practices by beekeepers

• Purchasing infected stocks of bees

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By being aware of these risks, you can take proactive measures to prevent the spread of disease in your apiary.

Essential Hygiene Practices

1. Cleaning Beekeeping Tools

Hive tools and other equipment should be cleaned between each hive inspection. A simple and effective cleaning solution can be made by mixing 1 part soda crystals (sodium carbonate) with 5 parts warm water and a dash of washing-up liquid. After each use, immerse the tools in the solution and scrub them with a wire brush or similar tool to remove any residue. This solution can be reused for up to a month, or sooner if it becomes heavily discoloured.

2. Disinfecting Brood Boxes and Frames

Annually disinfect your brood boxes and frames to prevent the build up of disease. Start by freezing the frames at -20°C for 48 hours to kill any pests, then scrape off debris onto a newspaper, which should be disposed of immediately. You can further sterilize the boxes and frames by:

Scorching them with a blow torch

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• Cleaning them with the soda crystal solution mentioned above

• Using chemical sterilization with an appropriate disinfectant

• For detailed instructions on these processes, refer to the National Bee Unit (NBU) Guide on Hive Cleaning & Sterilisation.

3. Preventing Wax Moth Infestations

After harvesting honey, treat your stored frames with B401 (Certan), a safe and environmentally friendly product that prevents wax moth infestations by killing young larvae. Apply B401 before any infestation occurs to ensure your frames remain protected throughout the off-season.

4. Regular Cleaning of Beekeeping Clothes

Beekeeping suits should be washed regularly to prevent the spread of diseases. Adding a small amount of washing soda crystals to your detergent will help remove stubborn propolis stains. Always zip up the suit before washing to avoid damage.

For gloves, avoid using leather as they are difficult to clean. Instead, opt for washable gloves, such as those made of rubber, which can be easily sanitized in a washing soda solution between inspections. Disposable gloves are also a good option and can be replaced frequently to maintain cleanliness.

5. Replacing Old Combs

Old combs can harbour diseases and should be replaced regularly. The NBU recommends that no brood comb should be used for more than three years. The Bailey Comb Change method is an effective way to replace old combs, ensuring your bees have a clean and healthy environment. Discard or render old combs properly to prevent the spread of disease.

Disease Recognition

Being able to recognise the signs of disease in your hives is crucial for early intervention. Regularly inspect your brood combs for abnormalities and familiarise yourself with the appearance of healthy combs versus those affected by disease. The National Bee Unit offers valuable resources for identifying common bee diseases, including detailed guides on adult bee diseases and foulbrood disease recognition.

Reducing Drifting Between Hives

Drifting, where bees mistakenly enter neighbouring hives, can lead to the spread of disease. To reduce drifting:

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• Arrange your hives in an arc or point their entrances in different directions to disrupt uniform flight paths.

• If your apiary is exposed to winds, consider erecting a windbreak, such as a fence or hedge, to provide shelter and further reduce drifting.

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Conclusion: The Importance of Vigilance in Apiary Hygiene

Maintaining strict hygiene within your apiary is essential for the health and survival of your bees. By following the cleaning protocols outlined above, managing pests like varroa, and staying vigilant for signs of disease, you can help ensure that your colonies remain strong and productive. Consistent application of these practices will not only protect your bees but also contribute to the long-term success of your beekeeping endeavors.

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