Glossary
The process of killing disease organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) on beekeeping equipment to prevent disease transmission between colonies. Sterilization is particularly critical when equipment has been exposed to American foulbrood (AFB), the most serious bacterial brood disease, whose spores can survive for decades.
Not all equipment cleaning requires sterilization. Routine frame scraping, propolis removal, and general cleaning are part of normal hive maintenance. Full sterilization becomes necessary when equipment has been used in a colony diagnosed with American foulbrood, when acquiring used equipment of unknown disease history, or when combining equipment from multiple sources.
American foulbrood spores are extraordinarily resilient. They can survive boiling for 30 minutes, persist on equipment surfaces for over 70 years, and germinate whenever conditions are favorable. Equipment from AFB-infected colonies poses a serious disease transmission risk if not properly sterilized.
Scorching (using a propane torch to flame the interior surfaces of wooden hive boxes until the wood is lightly charred) is the most accessible method for hobbyist beekeepers. The heat kills bacteria and spores on box surfaces. All wooden equipment components can be scorched.
Gamma irradiation is the gold standard for equipment sterilization, killing all bacterial spores, fungal spores, and viruses without damaging plastic or wax. However, it requires sending equipment to an irradiation facility, which is cost-prohibitive for small operations. Some state bee inspectors arrange group irradiation for affected beekeepers.
Wooden boxes can be reused after thorough scorching with a propane torch. Frames and comb from AFB colonies should be burned, as the wax and wood can harbor spores in cracks and pores. Never reuse comb from an AFB-infected colony.
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) kills most bacteria and viruses but is not reliable against bacterial spores, including AFB spores. It can be used for general surface cleaning and disinfection but should not be relied upon for AFB sterilization.
Yes, unless you personally know the seller and their disease history. Used equipment is a common vector for AFB transmission. At minimum, scorch all wooden surfaces thoroughly before use. Inspect any comb for signs of disease before placing it in live colonies.
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