Hive Decimated! What was the culprit? [Pic Heavy]

JohnD · October 18, 2009, 08:11:52 PM

I'm a first year bee keeper from central Ohio using a TBH. I checked on my hive today and the following pictures are what I found:

Here is what the hive looked like the last time I took pictures:

Could anyone help me determine what the cause of the decimation was?

Thanks,

JohnD

gardeningfireman · October 18, 2009, 08:23:46 PM

John,
I didn't see your pictures, but only three critters come to mind that would wreck a hive in Ohio. They are; people, racoons, and black bears.

buzzbee · October 18, 2009, 08:28:19 PM

John,
looks like a classic case of waxmoths.

BjornBee · October 18, 2009, 08:31:29 PM

The hive died of unknown reasons. And nobody will know from your pictures. There is way more to the story that only you know at this time.

The wax was destroyed by wax moths.

asprince · October 18, 2009, 08:33:21 PM

Yep, wax moths. Your hive got weak for some reason and the wax moths entered and layed some eggs. Did the bees leave?

You might want to do a search, there is plenty to read from previous posts.

Good luck, Steve

Kathyp · October 18, 2009, 08:35:11 PM

also google wax moth images. looks like your bees tried to take care of it....

JohnD · October 18, 2009, 08:45:50 PM

Thanks buzzbee for posting the pics! I guess I messed up on the last pic as it should show what the hive looked like when it was healthy - plenty of comb, honey, and bees.

I guess I have some reading up to do on wax moths.

JohnD · October 18, 2009, 08:46:49 PM

Quote from: BjornBee on October 18, 2009, 08:31:29 PM
The hive died of unknown reasons. And nobody will know from your pictures. There is way more to the story that only you know at this time.

The wax was destroyed by wax moths.

I wish I knew! ;)

Kathyp · October 18, 2009, 09:32:34 PM

they may have swarmed, gone queenless, absconded.... it may or may not have been something you would have recognized with experience. may or may not have been something that you might have caught with regular inspections.

wax moth takes advantage of a weakened hive. they are generally not the cause of that weakness. i believe that was the somewhat cryptic point the BjornBee might have been trying to make?

gardeningfireman · October 19, 2009, 12:57:47 PM

When you said decimated the hive, I thought you meant literally and physically destroyed it! Again, I didn't see the pictures when I first replied!

JohnD · October 19, 2009, 02:22:12 PM

Quote from: gardeningfireman on October 19, 2009, 12:57:47 PM
When you said decimated the hive, I thought you meant literally and physically destroyed it! Again, I didn't see the pictures when I first replied!

Oh, no problem! Thanks for your help. :)

Cindi · November 03, 2009, 11:25:27 AM

JohnD, oh what a bummer. I hope that you keep on keepin' on. These things happen and it truly is sad. These are lessons we learn in life, I am the master of bad lesson learning, I could write a book on the lessons that I have learned and are still learning :shock: ;) :) Have that wonderful, most beautiful day, health. Cindi