Mystery insect poo

[Debbie B]

Hi all, can anyone identify this insect poo from my bottom board? I am reluctant to open the hive to check because they are requeening.

 

[Beefriendly]

Possibly earwig.

 

[maddydog]

Earwig?

More concerned about varroa.

 

[Debbie B]

I have seen some earwigs around. Are they a problem?

I was worried about the varroa too. The count is about 10 a day. Should I treat? Bearing in mind that we're expecting a queen to go out and get mated any day now.

 

[Millet]

Earwigs are harmless but the varroa need treating soon.. i use Oxcalic Acid but others use less effective methods and slate OA...have a read up on varroa control..

 

[eltalia]

Appear to be more like egg casings, dead ones hopefully.
I would be taking a look, particularly as this is a new colony
with history.

Bill

 

[Millet]

Appear to be more like egg casings, dead ones hopefully.
I would be taking a look, particularly as this is a new colony
with history.

Bill

It is a slightly exposed spot for any egg laying insect me thinks...

 

[eltalia]

It is a slightly exposed spot for any egg laying insect me thinks...

...errrm, not "laying" but discarded/dislodged.
Question then is, where is Mum?

Bill

 

[maddydog]

I have seen some earwigs around. Are they a problem?

I was worried about the varroa too. The count is about 10 a day. Should I treat? Bearing in mind that we're expecting a queen to go out and get mated any day now.

Earwigs no problem, they're eating the varroa off your inspection sheet

Personally I'd be treating that colony. You should be able to time it to coincide with a brood break.

 

[masterBK]

Could be faeces of greater wax moth caterpillars (they look very similar to those from earwigs). When you eventually inspect the hive take a good look at the combs immediately above the droppings to see what is living in them.
.

 

[Antipodes]

I agree with Master BK.

If I saw that on my bottom board, I'd definitely suspect poo from the larval stage of wax moth. A close up photo would probably reveal the characteristic segments.

 

[BernardBlack]

Earwigs no problem, they're eating the varroa off your inspection sheet

Personally I'd be treating that colony. You should be able to time it to coincide with a brood break.

The Ants are eating my varroa mites.

There’s no getting rid of them either!