Honey

[Mikeb123]

if a colony has chalk brood is the honey still fit for human consumption? Also is the super ok to go onto another hive?

 

[bpmurray]

The honey is fine. Chalkbrood is caused by a fungus and is very contagious, so it's not OK to move parts around. That said, the queen appears to be the key factor - if you have heavy chalkbrood, replace the queen.

Read all about it here: http://www.nationalbeeunit.com/index.cfm?pageId=198

 

[enrico]

But..... In my experience a strong hive soon shakes it off. Seems to arrive when the brood gets cold in a sudden cold spell.. Agree honey no problem at all
E

 

[Arfermo]

Ventilation helps avoid chalk brood. Only ever found it once in a hive and only 3-4 cells on about 3 frames. But then I don't bother with all the tea-cosy stuff either. Providing the hive is strong going into winter they don't need it and I don't lose colonies like some on here either - at least not for that reason. I replaced the affected frames with fresh ones and have not seen any more chalkbrood. All depends on how far it has infected the whole colony I suppose?

 

[Mikeb123]

Well I'm the same really 4/5 cells over a couple of frames. My only other problem with this colony is its suspected queenless and workers laying. I will try and confirm this tonight

 

[Mikeb123]

Ok so the chalk brood seems to have cleared right up only two cells spotted. Still no queen seen and all brood drone. looks like I'll be shaking this colony out

 

[dpearce4]

do it now don't wait any longer. let the workers strengthen your other hives.

 

[Mikeb123]

Agreed! once shaken out I'll be left with 11 frames of bias/stores. Is there a way of cleaning these out so I get some spare comb or is it game over and new foundation?

 

[dpearce4]

Its been contaminated so you need to render the wax down and use it for wax conversion. It wouldn't be safe to use again.

 

[Mikeb123]

Ok that's understandable. Is there a procedure if the a colony didn't have chalk brood?