Hello Everyone
It finally warmed up today in Wisconsin, about 45 degrees. I have my bees on a metal roof and the hive is in an inclosed shaded area, (this is my only option). I opened up the hive, the first time in quite awhile and added some dry sugar between one frame, lots of winter to go here yet. There were lots of bees and they seemed fine. The bees were out alittle flying around and I noticed there were quite a few yellow streaks on the metal roof. I did not treat with anything so far, this is my first year. Should I have treated with Fumigilin in the autumn, anything that I should do now or just wait until spring and treat?
Thanks for any advice,
Brian
This is typical bee evacuation when they finally get a chance to fly outside the hive. I would not worry unless the inside of the hive was contaminated with a quantity of fecal matter.
Yellow is good, dark brown is not so good.
Maybe some other northern beeks can give a more qualified answer but I don't treat for anything unless there are actual symptoms. I know that many recommend a fall treatment of Fumigillin. But, I don't ask my doctor for a treatment for diseases I don't have, or my vet for a treatment for something my dog doesn't have. Just doesn't make good sense to treat bees for nonexistent problems and risk the disease organisms becoming resistant to the treatment. Your bees sound normal; let them be!
a little dysentery is far from nosema-but good intentions none the less-
if you really want to know it is simple to check with a scope-if you are interested in this i can provide a link--RDY-B