Mold?

[joker1656]

Went part way through another hive yesterday.  Did not do a "full inspection".  Bottom box had one frame with what appeared to be about 8 cells with what appeared to be mold.  I did not get any pics, but I will.  Not sure if it will be warm enough again for a few.  BUT, it looked like whitish fuzz over the cells.  Maybe a little green under it. 

I have seen something similar on old frames with pollen in the cells.  One or two cells might have a bit of moldy look to the pollen.  The difference was that these cells were covered over with the "fuzz".

Hive looked healthy, from my quick look, otherwise. 

Does this sound familiar enough to tell me what it is?

Is it something to be concerned about, or is it common to see after a winter?

I may answer my own question when I can do a thorough inspection.  Until then, thanks for the help. 

[D Coates]

I think you've nailed it.  It's mold.  I've seen it in my hives now and again as they come out of winter cluster.  Normally in areas that the bees aren't.  The times I've seen it I watched it and the bees clean it up.  Problem solved.  I've never had it go any further than 6 or so individual cells on a frame though.

[Finski]

 Bottom box had one frame with what appeared to be about 8 cells with what appeared to be mold.

Mold is not problem to bees, not at least 8 cells.

Often the side frames are very moldy if they have pollen or old black combs.

If the mold has ruined about half of cell of the frame, you may rub the cells off of let the bees do the job.
Bees bite the molded cells off up till foundation and build new cells.

If the comb is old and dark, it is better to take off. If it is almost foundation color, let the bees repair it.


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[luvin honey]

I found mold in my 2 hives that I lost. Should I dump the moldy "frames" before I install (hopefully) any swarms or a new package?
Thanks for letting me hijack a bit!

[D Coates]

I found mold in my 2 hives that I lost. Should I dump the moldy "frames" before I install (hopefully) any swarms or a new package?

I wouldn't.  Get them into a dry environment and the mold will slow or stop.  The bees that come in will clean it up.

[luvin honey]

Thank you!