Acarine? - Can I treat?

[malawi2854]

I've noticed over the last few weeks that I have quite a number of bees wandering around about 2m from the hive, they seem completely unable to fly - not even trying, they just wander aimlessly around the floor - usually workers, but there are a few drones too.

I would say that at any one time, there are between about 5-25 bees wandering around - more than I'd have thought was normal?

From what I've picked up - I'm thinking this sounds like it could be acarine mites? Although some of those bees wandering do have wing damage - but I can't confirm if this is before or after they leave the hive - I've not seen any IN the hive with this damage - the wings just look a little mangled on some of them.

I know they have some varroa - I treated at the end of last year, but left it a bit too late, so it wasn't as effective as I think it should have been.

My question, is whether I should treat either NOW, and if so HOW - or if I should leave it until the end of the season?
I have a super on the colony, but equally, they swarmed recently, and I lost the swarm, so they are in production of a new queen at present.


Thoughts?

 

[Poly Hive]

My immediate thought is to get a proper diagnosis. Take a sample of bees to someone who has a decent microscope, and the nous to use it to make a tracheal diagnosis.

PH

 

[hedgerow pete]

i agree with poly hive or get the bee inspector in fast

 

[MuswellMetro]

getting a Seasonal bee inspector to visit is a good idea ( they are anyway wanting to concentrate on inspecting beginners this year ) but my view is that it is deformed wing virus through high varroa levels not acaraine which is not that common now if you use apiguard or thymol patties for varroa control

what did you use to treat the varroa

at this time of year i would not treat with any chemical as your honey would be contaminated, you could perhaps try a shook swarm onto new frames of foundation then a HEAVY dust with icing sugar so all the bees are white, this should cut the varroa back to acceptable levels

 

[malawi2854]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Is it OK to call in the bee inspector, almost on a whim? I don't want to waste their time!!!
Also - is there a difference between a bee inspector I believe I can request through BeeBase, and a "seasonal bee inspector"?


I will see if anyone around has a microscope, and can have a look for me in the meantime.


MuswellMetro - Last year, I treated for varroa with apiguard.

Once the queen is laying successfully again, would it be worth popping in some super frames, and culling some drone comb to help too?

 

[fredbloggs]

Seasonal inspectors are "part-time" and work during the spring/Summer season. They report to a Regional Bee Inspector who is full time. All work for the National Bee Unit (or whatever they call themselves these days)

DO NOT think you are wasting their time if you have concerns on bee health. That is principally their reason d'etra (not sure what it means - just trying to sound posh?)

Give them a call through beebase and the most appropriate personel will be assigned to deal with your case.

Regards

FB

 

[MuswellMetro]

Seasonal inspectors are "part-time" and work during the spring/Summer season. They report to a Regional Bee Inspector who is full time. All work for the National Bee Unit (or whatever they call themselves these days)

DO NOT think you are wasting their time if you have concerns on bee health. That is principally their reason d'etra (not sure what it means - just trying to sound posh?)

Give them a call through beebase and the most appropriate personel will be assigned to deal with your case.

Regards

FB

let us know how you get on

 

[malawi2854]

Thanks for the info everyone - will certainly let you know what happens.

 

[Heather]

I have similar- bees wandering.
Done microscope inspection and trachea clear. Yes, some have poor wing formation but others look very normal- but walking- and always behind the hives. Not sure which hive they are from as 3 in the area. I think varroa but all colonies strong so just hope they will be ok till August when I can treat.