Foul Brood Traps & Pitfalls

Talk Outline Traps & pitfalls Identification So you found it – What now? Treatment

TRAPS & PITFALLS 1. Mites Mites Mites 7. “I pull and burn the frames.” 2. “I set out my wet supers” 8. “I treat every spring and fall” 3. “Sterilize. Whaddaya mean?” 9. “It was only in one hive” 4. “I got a good deal!” 10. “I borrowed some frames.” 5. “Found it. Treated it. I’m ok.” 11. “The honey flow has started.” 6. “Must be something else” 12. “Never had it” syndrome

Identification – Which Hives First? CLUES: Odor Abnormal behaviour Chalkbrood Deformed bees Bees crawling Larvae & dead bees

Identification – Inside the hive Look at 5-10 frames of capped brood Active - Pin holes – tooth pick stir test Scale - Black lumps in bottom of cells

A PUZZLE - ???

So you found it! – What Now? 1. The Right Attitude 2. Take Samples 3. Decision – Destroy or Treat 4. Sterilize

Destroy an infected hive 1. Allow field bees to return. 2. Seal the hive. 3. Lift lid and put in 4 paper towels. 4. Pour in 1 cup gasoline. 5. Replace and seal lid. 6. Next day – open and ventilate. 7. Burn.

Treating an infected hive FACT SHEET 205. Shake the bees into all new equipment i.e. frames of foundation. Treat with approved antibiotic. Burn all supers, lids, inner covers and bottom boards. ALTERNATIVE Isolate infected colony Remove and burn infected frames Scorch supers,lid, bottom board Spray bees w/antibiotic sugar syrup – 3 times 6 days apart

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