Hive frames and their wax foundation form the structural core of a bee colony, serving as sites for brood rearing and honey storage. Over time, these wooden structures and the wax comb accumulate propolis, old wax, debris, and various pathogens. Regular cleaning is a necessary part of apiary management to maintain colony health and efficiency. This process prevents the transmission of bacterial spores and fungal infections that can severely weaken or destroy a hive, ensuring bees expend energy on colony growth instead of cleaning old equipment.
Initial Preparation and Mechanical Scraping
The cleaning process begins with the physical removal of large debris from the wooden frame structure. Essential tools for this stage include a hive tool, a stiff wire brush, and various scrapers designed to reach corners and crevices. This preliminary step focuses on scraping away accumulated propolis, the resinous substance bees use as a sealant, along with any burr comb or excess wax.
This mechanical removal should be performed over a dedicated surface, such as a drop cloth or a large container, to collect all the scrapings. Propolis and beeswax are valuable byproducts that can be rendered and sold or repurposed later. Removing this organic material exposes the underlying wood, allowing subsequent deep-cleaning methods to penetrate the surface and be more effective. The goal is to achieve a raw, clean wooden frame before moving on to liquid or chemical treatments.
Methods for Deep Cleaning and Disinfection
Once the frames are mechanically clean, a rigorous disinfection process is needed to eliminate microscopic threats like bacterial spores. The most resilient pathogen is the spore of Paenibacillus larvae, responsible for American Foulbrood (AFB), which can remain viable on wooden surfaces for decades. Various chemical and thermal methods are employed for routine cleaning or treating equipment exposed to pathogens like Nosema species.
One common thermal method involves boiling wooden frames in a solution of water and caustic soda (lye or sodium hydroxide). A concentration of approximately 3% lye is effective at melting away residual wax and propolis while sterilizing the wood. This process requires extreme safety precautions and appropriate personal protective equipment, as the boiling caustic solution is highly corrosive. After a brief submersion (typically 5 to 10 minutes), the frames must be thoroughly rinsed and air-dried before reuse to neutralize any residue.
For disinfection against AFB spores, soaking the scraped wooden frames in a diluted bleach solution is highly effective. Research indicates that immersion for approximately 20 minutes in a 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution will kill AFB spores. This concentration is typically achieved by mixing one part of standard 5% household bleach with nine parts of water. Any remaining organic material on the wood will interfere with the bleach’s ability to kill spores, underscoring the necessity of the initial thorough scraping.
Another approach involves fumigation, frequently used to sterilize drawn-out comb against pathogens like Nosema and European Foulbrood (EFB). Acetic acid, often used at an 80% concentration, is vaporized in a sealed stack of boxes containing the frames. The heavy acid fumes sink down, effectively killing wax moth eggs, larvae, and spores of Nosema apis and Chalkbrood. Acetic acid is highly corrosive and requires a well-ventilated area for application; frames must be aired for at least 24 hours afterward to remove residual fumes.
Reclaiming Old Wax and Foundation
After the wooden frames are cleaned, the focus shifts to processing the wax foundation material, which should be separated from the wood. This wax is a valuable commodity that can be rendered for reuse or sale. A preferred method for rendering wax is the solar wax melter, which uses the sun’s heat to gently melt the wax without reaching temperatures that would scorch or discolor it.
The melted wax separates from debris, flowing into a collection vessel where it cools and solidifies into a clean block. Alternatively, some beekeepers use hot water or steam to melt the wax, but these methods tend to be messier and require more direct heat management. Frames fitted with purely wax foundation yield easily to melting, leaving the wooden frame clean for disinfection.
Frames that use plastic foundation require a different cleaning approach, as the plastic itself does not melt. After the wax is scraped off, plastic foundation needs a thorough washing and scrubbing to remove all traces of wax and propolis. It can then be dipped in a diluted bleach solution or subjected to the same deep cleaning processes as the wooden frames to ensure complete sanitation before being re-waxed and returned to the hive.
Safe Storage Until Next Use
Once the frames are fully cleaned and disinfected, they must be completely dry before being put into storage to prevent the growth of mold or mildew. Dry, clean frames are susceptible to pests, particularly the destructive wax moth, which can ruin drawn-out comb quickly. To prevent infestation, one effective method is to freeze the frames for at least 48 hours to kill all stages of the wax moth life cycle, including eggs and larvae.
Following freezing, the frames should be stored in airtight containers or stacked supers sealed to prevent access by pests and rodents. Some beekeepers utilize chemical treatments, such as Para-dichlorobenzene (PDB) crystals, which kill wax moths. PDB-treated frames must be aired out for several days before being introduced back into a colony. This chemical should never be used on frames intended for honey destined for human consumption, as it can be absorbed by the wax and honey.