Recently I got in touch with a group of researchers concerning the relationship between Bee Hive Boxes and Colony Collapse Disorder. Viruses aren’t the issue… its Bacteria and Fungi, read on….

I was referred to Eric Mussen. His articles are plentiful and worth reading. Google “Eric Mussen” and it returns an hours worth of reading and education. I asked about the relationship between Bee Hive Boxes and the Diseases they (after a period of time) harbor in the propolis that coats the interior of a bee hive.

The following is his reply in its entirety, reprinted with his permission:

Hi, Hank, Christi Heintz suggested I contact you about possible microbial contamination of used beekeeping equipment. As far as I know, there is little or no concern about wooden hive boxes becoming contaminated with viruses. Certain fungi and bacteria are a different matter, because a number of them can produce spores that may be found on the surfaces of the woodenware. While many of the spores are air-borne, and of litte concern, spores that cause chalkbrood disease (fungus) and American foulbrood disease (bacterium) should be avoided. I could not readily find any information on decontamination of contaminated wood except by irradiation or fumigation with ethylene oxide. Heat might sound good, especially for the chalkbrood spores, but American foulbrood is isolated from other spore-forming bacteria found in beehives by using heat treatments to kill off the competing bacteria – 176 degrees Fahrenheit for hours – before trying to culture the microbe. I read a statement that it would take temperatures high enough to “burn wood” to kill the spores. Beekeepers do singe the wood inside hive boxes to try to kill or seal off American foulbrood spores, after removing the sick bees and contaminated frames. It would be best not to try to use old bee boxes to make new ones. – Eric Mussen, Extension Apiculturist

I believe it is important to share this kind of information.

Go forth young bees….

Hank Bosman
Woodman Engineering