Q & A

Public·15 members

Tracheal mites

I went out to my two hives today, and found at least 50 bees crawling around the ground. They are not able to fly, even when picked up off the ground. I split the colony earlier this week, and both colonies have healthy queens. My last mite check was april 1st, and it was 4.5% and i am currently treating with formic pro. I looked at several, and some had normal wings, and some did not. I did a hive inspection yesterday, and there were no bees on the ground. I am concerned it may be tracheal mites or deformed wing disease from mites. My previous mite check in march was 1%. How do i tell the difference between the two?

31 Views

Paul Kojzar 6

10 abr

The tracheal mites symptoms include:

Large numbers of bees crawling at the entrance of the hive, unable to fly
Disorientated bees
Bees holding their wings at unusual angles (called “K wing”). It means they are unable to hook wings together

DWV is one of the few viruses with easily recognizable symptoms. These symptoms are exclusive to the adult honey bee and include: twisted, shriveled wings, bloated abdomens, decreased body size, and discoloration.

My guess, based on your description, is that your bees do not have tracheal mites. Based on my experience, since your bees are infected with the virus, the colony will most likely perish.

Bob Boyd

March 21, 2026

Swamp Trap set up

Does the old frames you put in a Swamp Trap need to be 100% honey free. To stop robbing? I'm setting one up (first time). Two frames I plan have some honey in the corner. Less than a hand print size all together on both frames. Dig it out? Wash it out? Leave it alone? Thanks,

37 Views

Christina Glorioso Mullan Admin

September 26, 2025 · updated the description of the group.

Do you have a beekeeping question? Post it here for fellow beekeepers to weigh in!

184 Views

September 11, 2025

Thanksgiving Varroa Treatment

Hello- I was at the monthly HOCOBA meeting yesterday and recall Dave saying there was something in particular he uses at Thanksgiving to treat for varroa. Does anyone remember what he recommends? Thanks

104 Views

Charles Lange 11

12 sept 2025

OA oxalic acid . During that time of the year the hive is broodless and OA can be very effective. You need to apply it on a relatively warm day such that the hive is not clustered to tightly. I like to hit my three times during that time of the year with OA vapor bringing the hive to close to no mites as possible. I find the OA vapor to have a near 90% efficacy based on the mite drop during treatment; so three treatments get near a 99.9% reduction in mites. Be careful using the OA dribble although I have never used I have heard on line where multiple treatments can be damaging to the colony.

See All Members (15)