Poly Hives and Nucs Sterilisation

WDBKA Sodium Hypochlorite Dilution Calculator

We’ve provided a calculator for poly hives and nucs to help you get the bleach-to-water measurements correct.

Calculate how much stock bleach to add to a known amount of water to achieve a target strength.




 

NBU Guidance

The NBU recommends chemical sterilisation with disinfectants for cleaning poly brood boxes, supers, and other equipment. NBU Hive cleaning & sterilisation

  • Use sodium hypochlorite (in household bleach, ~3%).

  • To kill European Foulbrood (EFB) spores and bacteria, immerse items for 20 minutes in a 0.5% solution (mix 1 part bleach with 5 parts water).

  • Equipment must be thoroughly cleaned first so that all surfaces come into contact with the solution.

  • For one or two boxes, use a tray and rotate each wall; for larger quantities, use a deep trough.

  • Always rinse thoroughly with water after treatment.

  • Other disinfectants may help with general sterilisation, but bleach is the only one proven to date against EFB spores.

  • Wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection when handling solutions.