Small bees damage

[Robbie & Jans Bees]

I was out by my new hivw this morning and notice bees coming out of the hive carrying small bees with deform wings can anybody advice?

Thanks

Robbie

 

[Erichalfbee]

Bees with deformed wings are infected with deformed wing virus carried by the varroa mite.
By the time you see these symptoms your infestation is severe.
How long have you had the hive?
How big is the colony?
Have you checked for mites?
Are you treating for varroa?
You need to get reading up about this as it is part of the most basic knowledge you should have about your bees.

 

[Arfermo]

I was out by my new hivw this morning and notice bees coming out of the hive carrying small bees with deform wings can anybody advice?

You already have walking bees that should be flying so start treatment with Apiguard or Apilifevar immediately otherwise you will lose the lot. At the same time get hold of some Oxalic acid solution to trickle on the seams of bees about Xmas or very early January to deal the varroa a final blow for this year and then repeat this same routine every year. Finally, go to the BBKA website and download their .pdf leaflet on "Managing Varroa" at https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadNews.cfm?id=93 and study it as it gives you all you need to know on the subject from scientists who know. Also go to https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/index.cfm?sectionid=41 and learn about bee health; also join your local association if you haven't already and register with Beebase etc. Good luck.

 

[milkermel]

 

[drstitson]

Another important thing to realise that posts about general or specific beekeeping issues and bee health should be posted in the appropriate sections of the forum NOT off topic chat section.

 

[Hivemaker.]

If the colony has severe DWV it would be better to remove all sealed brood and replace these frames with drawn brood combs,then treat straight away with an effective varroa treatment,dummy up the frames or transfer to nuc if the colony is not strong in bee numbers. DWV can continue to infect young bees on it's own, if the infection is heavy,even in the absence of any varroa mites.

 

[oliver90owner]

go to the BBKA website and download their .pdf leaflet on "Managing Varroa" at https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/bee...News.cfm?id=93

Not sure what they (B**A) has to do with a Fera document, but that publication/download is a 'must have' for all new beekeepers, and as a reference for many established beeks.

Doubtless other diseases, apart from DWV, are going to be punted up the risk list, if the varroa mite is not dealt with/kept at safe levels. It may be that the some of the EFB outbreaks found recently, have been 'encouraged' by the bees being weakened and/or under stress from the dreaded mite.

Add to that the difference between treating for EFB, or the colony destruction, and the need to be runnining strong healthy unstressed colonies becomes an even clearer objective to anyone who has kept bees long enough to grasp these simple connections.

RAB

 

[Robbie & Jans Bees]

Sorry I did not know I was on the wrong bit of the site?

Robbie

 

[Arfermo]

go to the BBKA website and download their .pdf leaflet on "Managing Varroa" at https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/bee...News.cfm?id=93

Not sure what they (B**A) has to do with a Fera document,

RAB

Nitpicking. The link is the important point. At the same site is other stuff eg " Foul Brood Disease of Honey Bees" may still be there (I have a hard copy) as well as something I noticed when copying the link on "bee health".

 

[oliver90owner]

Accurate facts are always better than back-door promotion of certain associations.