Among the families of bees, the causative agents of diseases are mainly spread by dross and spores. The latter are transmitted from bee to bee, namely during tasks that take place in the hive. Bee infections can spread by far the fastest by bees robbing an infected colony. Last but not least, bee diseases can be spread through infected droppings, infected honey, and various parasites.
In any case, beekeepers can also spread diseases during their work In any case, beekeepers can also spread diseases during their work. Most often when moving and changing infected honeycomb, when bringing together sick families, as well as with equipment and tools that have been in contact with the virus. If beekeepers want to avoid this as much as possible, they must maintain an extremely high level of hygiene in their work.
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Personal hygiene of the beekeeper
When it comes to taking care of hygiene in beekeeping, the beekeeper’s personal hygiene comes first. The disinfectant must be of the highest possible quality and must not damage the skin.
Unfortunately, disinfectants have no effect on the spores of American foulbrood , so in this case the beekeeper must also use disposable gloves.
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Disinfection of hives
Beehives that are about to be repopulated must also be disinfected. With the help of a beekeeping chisel, it is necessary to thoroughly remove deposits of wax and propolis. The thoroughly cleaned beehive is then burned with a gas burner – so much so that the wood darkens a bit. If the hive is not cleaned well, its interior can catch fire.
The hives can be disinfected most thoroughly by boiling them in boiling 3% sodium lye for about ten minutes. During such a task, the beekeeper must use chemical-resistant gloves, a rubber apron, rubber boots, a hat and glasses. All instructions for safe work must be followed.
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Honeycomb disinfection
Honeycombs are generally disinfected with the aim of destroying spores. Put it in a box or in a cupboard and add 80% acetic acid in an open plastic container. For each liter of volume, two milliliters of this type of acid are required. The box is sealed airtight and left to take effect for about five days. Before the comb is returned to the family, it needs to be thoroughly aired.
Honeycomb infected with severe rot spores is not disinfected, as it must be destroyed.
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Hygiene of watering stations and feeders
Careful and appropriate hygiene of watering stations and feeders is definitely of key importance in beekeeping. The latter must be collected from the hives and thoroughly cleaned after the end of the feeding season. They are stored in a dry warehouse. They must be thoroughly disinfected before reuse.
In watering troughs with stagnant water, the chances of disease transmission are much higher. Namely, this can immediately carry away weakness and possible disease-causing agents. Feeders need to be cleaned often and disinfected from time to time. Napajalnike je treba pogosto dobro očistiti, občasno tudi razkužiti.
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Cleaning the bottom board
Tudi tla v panju se morajo večkrat očistiti, in sicer s pomočjo ustreznih sredstev. The bottom board in the hive must also be cleaned several times, with the help of appropriate means.
The area in front of the apiary can be properly disinfected with the help of quicklime, or with a 1% solution of blue galica. Everything must be properly shoveled.