On Fri, 1 Mar 1996, David Eyre wrote:
 
>
> While I agree and do the same, I question the validity. Somewhere I read
> that chalkbrood is a result of dampness. In my tests, increased ventilation
> appears to cure chalkbrood. Has anybody else found this?
->
Hello,
 Chalkbrood is a Fungi ( Asophaera apis )  If the larva is chilled to 30
C from 35 C it is the right temp for the  A. apis to form fruiting
bodies. I would suspect that dampness has an effect on the hives
temperature. Damp cold seems to chill more deeply than a dry cold. Honey
Bee Pathology by Bailey and Ball has seven pages of info if anyone want
to look at chaulkbrood any further. I have had some chalkbrood in the
past , but I now leave my lower enterance open 3/8 inch in the winter and
spring.Maybe the bees can exchange the air with less effort and more
efficiently. We do not get very cold in western Washington and I like
tough bees anyway.
Bottem line David , the book does not address dampness , but I'm with
you. Moisture causes many problems in the hive. I'm trying some different
things myself this year. Burlap and 2 inch thick hard styrofoam with vent
holes.
Bee Happy
 Roy