Two questions....

[Floss]

May I ask....

a) how long one should leave fondant on for?

b) one of my hives is showing tan coloured streaks/spots around entrance this week. Few dead bees but not hundreds. I have not looked inside this year - too cold I think yet.

Could this be dysentry/Nosema and if so, should I treat now with Fumidil or should I get diagnosis? (Books give conflicting advice!!)

Many thanks

Floss

 

[ian]

Hi Floss


You can leave the fondant on for as long as you like or the bees take it all down, if it's not well wrapped or been on for a while then it may dry out and be less appealing to the bees(a quick spay or dip in water)

Streaks on the hive can be a sign of Nosema, but equally at this time of year most hives have a splattering if you look close enough, it's normally a question of quantity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Once the weather warms a bit bees will readily take a little syrup, you could even try something like Vita Gold applied direct like oxalic.

Regards Ian

 

[Floss]

Many thanks Ian, thats helpful.

My gut feeling is that this one hive is struggling more than the other but I will take a look when it is a bit warmer. The streaks are quite, er "dense"!

I like the idea of a "tonic". This hive does have fondant on but feels lighter than the other when I heft.

Cheers, Floss