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Tag: Diseases & Pests
Plum Bloom on Beeswax
We received a great question and beautiful photos from Rachelle (below) and Valerie (above). The comb in Rachelle’s hive has dark wax with a thin layer of white on top. She was wondering what the white layer is and if it is cause for concern. Answer: This white coating is called “Plum Bloom.” The bloom is…
Queens from MPCAP Program
Our queen and package supplier is part of the Managed Pollinator CAP program, which tests for hygienic bee behavior. We are excited to be part of the bee decline solution by supporting these producers. They test breeder queens for the recessive genetic trait, hygienic bee behavior. Hygienic behavior is when workers bees sense a missing…
Bees on the front entrance of the hive
Often in hot summer weather, bees gather around the entrance porch of their hive to cool off. This is normal. It would also be normal to see 2-3 times as many bees as this. When this photo was taken, it was more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit in early evening. Bees pictured are calm and walking…
Should I assemble boxes with the rough side in or out?
Unassembled bee boxes often come with one side of the wood planed smooth, and the other left rough. When assembling boxes, you will need to decide weather to put the rough side of the wood on the inside or outside of the box. We recommend putting the rough side on the inside of the box. Here’s why.…
How to Test for Hygienic Behavior
How to test for hygienic behavior This method is taken from “A sustainable approach to controlling honey bee diseases and varroa mites” Available http://www.sare.org/publications/factsheet/0305.htm May 20, 2008. Materials 3 in. cylinder (PVC pipe) 10-15 oz liquid nitrogen (easily obtained from welding supplier) Liquid nitrogen tank Frame with more than 3 inches diameter sealed brood(Fewer than 30…