Bald brood

[Pips]

On last inspection I discovered a fair bit of bald brood in one hive. The chief beek who came to look at the hives said it was because if excessive amounts of varroa. But... I have done 2 drone uncappings and found hardly any varroa in them. Equally, have never had bald brood before. Treated then with MAQ strips about a month/ 3 weeks ago. The bald brood has happened since then so this seems an odd cause! Any ideas as to what caused this and what I can do about it?

 

[enrico]

Look for evidence of wax moth. They get under the brood in the foundation and wax and can cause bald brood. If they are in lines it points to the above.
E

 

[Pips]

Yes, they seem to be in lines I think. Certainly in patches as opposed to dotted here and there

 

[EKBee]

Can also be a genetic trait (but more usually due to wax moth)

 

[Dishmop]

If you dont know the answer blame everything on varroa.

 

[Pips]

They are a pretty strong colony (I think!) there's lots of them and queen has been excellent. Have just been outside as read that you often see the wax moths on the outside of the box at night, but no moths at all. If there is wax moth, am I right in thinking there is nothing I can do about it whilst it is in brood? Should I brush bees of the worst affected frames and freeze them with the brood still in it? The comb is pretty old as we inherited it with the hive in May. Have planned to replace it in Spring when get a new brood box for them

 

[BeeJayBee]

Out of interest, is your varroa inspection tray in or out?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Should I brush bees of the worst affected frames and freeze them with the brood still in it?

Goodness no - why waste perfectly good brood at this time of year. Thefunny thing is, the brood can develop fully and healthy withiut being capped - which makes you wonder why the bees bother to start with!

 

[Pips]

No inspection tray. The hives are not raised that far off their table - 4 inches or so, though and I wonder if there is not enough ventilation. I need to sort what they standing on as have made a bit of an error there. Will I keep the varroa floor open for the winter?

 

[beeno]

Hi Pips,
Despite having strong hives, I have had frequent signs of wax moth this season. Probably a result of very mild winter we had.

 

[BeeJayBee]

No inspection tray. The hives are not raised that far off their table - 4 inches or so, though and I wonder if there is not enough ventilation. I need to sort what they standing on as have made a bit of an error there. Will I keep the varroa floor open for the winter?

I think most people use hollow hive stands, so any debris drops to the ground. It also means there's no stagnant or damp air trapped beneath the hives.

Yes, leave the varroa inspection tray out for the winter. Only use it for counting, then store it somewhere until you need it again.

 

[enrico]

I wouldn't worry! They will survive the winter as there will be no brood! Just think about changing the frames in the spring. Maybe mark the frames affected so that they can be changed first!
E

 

[masterBK]

Bald brood usually emerges normally but can sometimes be crippled with deformed wings and legs as a result of exposure to the faecal pellets from the wax moth larvae