Musty smell from hive

[idg]

Over the last 4-5 weeks I have noticed that one of my hive has a musty smell. Not pleasant and quite noticeable. I have 2 supers on and have just done an AS on the hive. The smell can be described as a fit fermenty. I am not sure if the hive is 100% water tight. Could that be it? Hive is strong and brood looks ok.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Have you looked in the supers?
Fermentation is unlikely and any "leak" should have been well and truly propolised?
I imagine it's whatever they are foraging on.
Early in the season dandelions impart a sickly smell and in the autumn hives can stink of ivy....phew!!!

 

[enrico]

If it's not wax moth then it is the chipboard in the roof that is probably soaked through.
E

 

[idg]

No signs of silky threads that wax moth would leave. Will the smell taint the honey. I'd hate to lose 2 supers worth!

 

[enrico]

Taste it and see......sounds like wet hive parts. Needs sorting!

 

[MuswellMetro]

are the vent holes in the roof blocked, had a damp smell when bees had proplised the mesh under the porter/feed holewhich i normal keep covered but a friend removed the hole cover ///////condensation not allowed to escape and inside of roof board wet

 

[betterbee]

Matchsticks ?

 

[Cussword]

Matchsticks ?

Oh be careful, you don't know who might read this

 

[Dishmop]

Matchsticks ?

well at least if they're damp they wont be a fire hazard.

 

[idg]

Taste it and see......

Tried tasting it today as you suggested..... Made a terrible sticky mess of my veil!!

 

[Dishmop]

Tried tasting it today as you suggested..... Made a terrible sticky mess of my veil!!

Next time dont wear the veil at the breakfast table..

 

[REDWOOD]

check for fowl brood, that can have a musky smell, also dandelion nectar can give an unpleasant aroma

 

[madasafish]

check for fowl brood, that can have a musky smell, also dandelion nectar can give an unpleasant aroma

+1 for foul brood.