Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Mason on November 30, 2009, 02:58:09 PM

Title: Deformed wings
Post by: Mason on November 30, 2009, 02:58:09 PM
I noticed when checking my hives this weekend a tiny bee with deformed or almost nonexistent wings.  I looked around for more with this condition but only saw the one.  Is this something I should be concerned about?  What would cause that and what should I be doing to prevent it?

I am in Georgia and the weather is still pretty nice.  Both hives have healthy queens and some stores.  I treated with Apigaurd back in August.  I have also been using some Honey B Healthy to stimulate feeding.  The numbers have reduced over the past month but I think it's enough bees to make it through the winter.  As a newbie I suppose I won't really know until spring.   

Title: Re: Deformed wings
Post by: David LaFerney on November 30, 2009, 03:00:10 PM
Varroa cause that.  Other things might as well.
Title: Re: Deformed wings
Post by: Robo on November 30, 2009, 04:09:57 PM
Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) is usually associated with high varroa counts.  This year I did see a few minor cases of it on weaker hives without substantial varroa.   We did have a horrible wet/cold spring which caused chalk brood in these hives as well.

I would not be too worried if you only saw one.  Just keep an eye on it, and do a varroa check if you can.