Burning infected hive

Burn the entire infected hive — bees, combs, frames, and boxes — to eliminate American Foulbrood (AFB). AFB spores survive for over 50 years on contaminated equipment, making complete destruction the only reliable eradication method. Most state and national beekeeping regulations mandate burning for confirmed AFB cases.

Why It Works

AFB spores (Paenibacillus larvae) are extraordinarily resistant to heat, chemicals, and time. No disinfection method reliably neutralizes spores embedded in wax and wood. Complete combustion at temperatures above 600°C destroys all organic material, including spores, preventing reinfection of nearby colonies.

Tips

• Dig a pit at least 45 cm deep before burning to contain the fire and bury ashes afterward
• Kill the bees first with soapy water to prevent them from spreading spores to neighboring hives
• Check local regulations — many jurisdictions require notifying a bee inspector before burning and may mandate supervised destruction
• Scorch the ground where the hive stood and never place new colonies on the same spot without soil removal