Cleaning Hive Top Feeder

[Benton2569]

What should I use to clean out a polystyrene hive top feeder?

I tried dish soap, hot water and a scrub pad but it still does not get much of the black discoloration that builds up. I dont want to use chemicles if I can help it but it is looking kind of nasty.

[Pete0]

I use bleach water to clean all my feeder stuff. A good soak in a strong solution will get rid of most all residue. Rinse the stuff off with the hose after and let it dry. I have not seen any adverse effect on the bees.

Pete0
Bena, VA

[nsmith1957]

I just use water and a rag to clean the pans in my homemade top feeders. I found earlier this year that, you must change the pans out for cleaning every two weeks. This is due to the black stuff forming on the sides of the pan. I would assume this formation is primarily due to the heat of the days.

[Mabe]

We have the same problem with the polystyrene feeders, but they work so well, it's worth the minimal hassle to clean. The black stuff is mildew.

Put them in your bathtub or shower and do a rinse out. Then spray with 1:1 bleach water or straight Clorox Cleanup. You usually don't need to scrub. Let them sit all day or all night with the bleach solution on them and then and rinse out with hot water. Air dry in the sun. Works great!:)

p.s. We replaced the acrylic piece supplied with the feeder with a "p" shaped piece of metal screen and the bees can now get in and out of the feeder easily, don't drown, and the ventilation is better so you get less mildew to clean off.