I had a visit from a couple of Bee Inspectors last week (they were checking
colonies within 5km of an EFB outbreak).

 

Fortunately all was well apart from the odd cell of chalk and sac, but we
did see some hives with bald brood which was not caused by wax moth.

 

Each of the cells had a distinctive raised rim, and the Inspector said this
was due to the bees having detected a varroa mite in the cell and therefore
refusing to cap it.  Not sure that I have ever heard this before; does it
sound plausible?  It is not mentioned as a cause on our National Bee Unit
web site as far as I can see.

 

Unfortunately we were working at speed as we had started late due to the
weather and I could not check it further.  Now I am up to my neck in trying
to get the honey crop in, so will not be returning to those bees for some
time.

 

Best wishes

 

Peter 

52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W

 

 


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