Funny Smell

[SteveJ]

I rescued a colony at the weekend. I went to top up the feeder I put on last night and noticed there is a funny smell coming from the colony. If I where to describe it I would say smelt something like Dried Dog Piddle. Is it anything I need to worry about?

SteveJ

 

[RoofTops]

Dried Dog Piddle.

It's raining outside so can't check on this but it might be something the bees are foraging on, such as ragwort or even ivy, although I don't think the latter will be in flower yet.

It is also possible your rescued colony have something nasty. Have you examined the combs?

 

[SteveJ]

Combs look normal

 

[RoofTops]

Can you identify where the smell is coming from - brood comb or honey stores?

 

[susbees]

Don't suppose it actually is DDP?