> >have often wondered what and how and when do other beekeepers
> (particularly
> the commercial guys) clean their hive-tools.
>
> I only clean my tool when
a)   I am going to eat or cut food with it
b)   It gets so gummy its uncomfortable (then I scrape it)
c)   I have worked a foulbrood hive (then I put it in the smoker awhile)

The Hive and Honeybee mentions a study at the experimental farm in Ottawa
where they TRIED to spread foulbrood with a hive tool unsuccessfully.  It is
spread most easily by comb transfer and robbing.  My experience is that bee
inspectors are fastidious about cleaning tools and gloves mostly so they
cannot be ACCUSED of spreading things.

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