Beverley
Beekeepers' Association
The
local Beekeeping Association for East Yorkshire
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Problems
and Diseases
Honey bees can suffer from a wide range of problems and
diseases. These notes are a quick reference only. As a new
beekeeper, if you think you've got a problem - seek help!
Problems
Robbing
– This can be by other colonies, wasps etc. – weak colonies
will be the target for robbing, especially if you are
feeding them and not other colonies. Prevent it by having a
restricted hive entrance. Put the feeder on in the evening
after the bees have stopped flying.
Woodpecker
damage
– Protect the hive with chicken wire.
Insect,
slug and snail attack
– put hive legs in dishes of preservative.
Mice
– Fit winter mouse guards in autumn.
Wax
Moths
– They can do damage in hives but are usually not a
problem. In stored comb they can be a major pest. Store
combs in boxes with newspaper between each box in a tower.
Seal around edges and check combs regularly. Moth balls are
no longer permitted. Moths may be killed by freezing or the
vapours of acetic acid.
Humans
– If your hives are a possible target for vandals put up a
warning sign “Take care honeybees can be dangerous.” This
will discourage most and give you some legal protection if
the worst happens and they get stung really badly through
their own stupidity. Better to keep your apiary away from
general view.
Diseases
You will learn about the recognition, preventative
measures, and control of bee diseases from the regular
talks which are given by The National Bee Unit, DEFRA etc
during our Association’s winter meetings. The most
important are:-
Varroa
–
Varroa destructor
is a mite which parasitizes bees. It is endemic here and
your bees will suffer from varroa which, if left untreated,
will destroy your colony. Get the most up to date leaflets
from the Association.
European
Foul Brood
- (Streptococcus
pluton).
This is a serious disease and requires notification to
DEFRA. Your first port of call is the local bee inspector.
Leaflets are available from the Association. It attacks
larvae in weak colonies and is indicated by dried-up scale
in brood comb. Fortunately it is still rare in this area.
American
Foul Brood
- (Bacillus
larvae).
This is also notifiable to DEFRA. Affected brood cells have
a dark greasy look with sunken caps which are sometimes
perforated. Larvae form slimy smelly mass - test with a
match stick. Leaflets are available from the Association.
Fortunately it is fairly rare here.
Acarine
- (Acarapis
woodi).
This is a mite parasite of honeybees breathing tubes. Look
for lots of crawling bees unable to fly, huddling just
outside the hive. Prevent it by siting your hives to avoid
drifting and robbing. Isolate swarms before introducing
them to your apiary.
Nosema
- (Nosema
apis)
a protozoan that causes damage to bee gut. A major problem
if bees are trapped in hive for long periods due to bad
weather. Preventative treatment is possible.
Dysentery
- usually cause by amoeba and nosema, although impure sugar
or fermenting syrup feeds can cause it.