Phenol residue levels in honey collected using a phenol board were found to be higher when there was a larger surface area of honeycomb exposed, a higher surface temperature of the phenol board, closer proximity of honeycomb to the phenol solution applied to the underside of the board, and longer overall exposure. Capped honey contained lower residue levels than uncapped honey, owing to absorption of phenol by the wax cappings and probably to the smaller surface area of capped honey. It is unlikely that phenol residues can be removed from honey without affecting the flavour. Residues could be greatly reduced by limiting exposure of the hive to the phenol board to the time required to repel the bees.