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Re: Weak colony
From:
Tim Arheit <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 13 Apr 2003 20:17:31 -0400
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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
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At 08:48 AM 4/13/2003 -0700, you wrote:
>Can anyone tell me what might be the cause of the absconding, weak
>populations, scattering of dead, unemerged bees and damaged wings? Could the
>ants have been the cause of the absconding?

Sounds like varroa mites.  Deformed wings (caused by a virus carried by the
mites) are a pretty good indication.  A heavily infested hive often
dwindles quickly to nothing as bees die off.  I doubt they absconded.  Have
you done any mite treatments?  Have you tested for mites?  (Sugar roll,
mite drop).   If heavily infested your second hive may be too far gone
already to save.

-Tim

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