bumble bee in trouble

[flemage]

Hi Every one.

Its been a long time since i posted last, but i found this bumble bee... Queen?... (no idea its not my area). So i though this place could help.

It looks like its covered in varroa mites? However, the ones i find on the hive floor are normally a dark brown chestnut colour?

Any way its in trouble, the only thing i know is to perhaps give sugar syrup...... any other ideas how i can help the bumble?

PS. i put it on the flower in the photo as it cant fly currently.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Theyre fine - they're a benign parasitic mite which will drop off and clean the nest when she gets there.

 

[flemage]

Ok ..thats a shame as there are not going any where, as the bumble has been on the floor since last night.

 

[hemo]

If not a queen then may be at end of life and tired.
One can try a few drops of sugar/syrup and place her in the sun, she may fly off later when fed and warmed up.

 

[Dolomede]

I had this once. Iwas told to pick up the bumble on the end of a straw and lower her gently to the bottom of a glass full of water and gently twirl the straw. She will cling on, but the mites release fairly quickly and float to the top, where you can pour them off before taking the bumble back out to dry off. It was too late by then for my bee so I cannot say it definitely works, but it sounds possible.

 

[Swarm]

The mites are harmless, it was probably just worn out or on its way out.