KSU mobile autoclave sterilizes beehives for Washington Co. beekeepers

                Honey bees are a critical component in the agricultural industry in the United States. Honey bees produce hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of honey and the pollination services they provide are worth hundreds of millions as well. The almond industry is completely reliant on the pollination provided by honey bees. Sadly, managed bee colonies have declined from roughly 6.3 million in 1945 to about 2.5 million today. This decline is due to multiple causes including the Varroa mite, diseases, and pesticides. Used beekeeping equipment can harbor diseases and pesticide residues that will harm any bee colony that comes into contact with it.

                Kentucky State University is actively attempting to help solve this issue by providing Kentucky beekeepers with a service where they can sterilize their used equipment using a mobile autoclave in order to provide a safe home for their bees. Research and Extension Assistant Jacob Vincent cooperated with the Washington County bee club to organize a bee school event where the autoclave was available to sterilize any equipment the beekeepers brought with them. 11 beekeepers participated in having their equipment sterilized and we potentially saved them roughly $4,000 in equipment costs. 

                The immediate outcome of this service is sterilized beekeeping equipment. Hopefully, the sterilization of their equipment will result in the increased overwintering success of their bee colonies and a decrease in the prevalence of diseases and pesticides in their hives. With continued sterilization, an increase in the number of bee colonies and a decrease in the number of colony losses should be the long-term goal of this service.