On 10/09/2014 12:02 AM, charles Linder wrote:
> Why do you think it was small hive  beetle that killed them, as opposed
> to some problem before the beetle took over?
>
>
> Snip
>
> Seen many in different stages this year.  Finally understanding what I am
> actually seeing. If you loose a hive look close at the brood nest area.

I am very familiar with the beetle and the damage that it can do. All 
hives/nucs hereabouts carry adults.  Although some beekeepers here 
maintain that the beetles are knocking over 'good' hives, I and some 
mates believe it is only hives that have a problem that succumb.

The normal problems such as drone layers, or a hive that becomes 
hopelessly queenless.  A proportion of hives that replace their queens, 
particularly during swarming, do not get a queen away.  In this case 
beetles can take over almost instantly.  There are always eggs being 
laid and normally removed by the bees.  As soon as this house cleaning 
goes off the boil the eggs hatch almost immediately, and the hive is 
doomed in a few days.


Geoff Manning

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