If a hive has SHB in it is it ok to eat the honey? I found about 20 of the beetles in the hive and I am concerned about them deficating in the honey.
No worries, the shb larvae are usually eating broodcomb anyway.
...JP
I am sure you strain the honey! :)
Don't let the supers sit too long before extracting --- or you will have more shb --- in larva stage :'(!
Quote from: a wannabee on September 23, 2008, 09:31:27 AM
If a hive has SHB in it is it ok to eat the honey? I found about 20 of the beetles in the hive and I am concerned about them deficating in the honey.
no, as long as its still capped and not flowing out the entrance you are fine, we all in the south find them in out hives year around, you will know when you cant extract the honey, promise you that, I have been lucky it hasn't happen to me but have seen it in others hives.
As TwT said if it is capped your ok. I suggest tasting it beforehand. I have extracted some that had a very strong taste and I suspect the SHB affected the flavor though not enough to cause fermentation or keep it from ripening.