SHB odor

[jayj200]

what does SHB smell like?

do one or two make that smell?

or does it take dozens?

jay

[G3farms]

Never "smelled" SHB.

AFB is the first thing that comes to mind when anyone mentions smell unless goldenrod is in bloom.

You need to go into your hives and check them good.

Of course there could be something in bloom in your neck of the woods to create that smell also.

[RHBee]

I recall a smell.  Fermentation, more of appearance, slimed.

[AllenF]

Fermentation and slim occur when the frame is totally lost.  And there are normally lots of beetles by then as the hive has taken a turn for the worse. 

[RHBee]

what does SHB smell like?

do one or two make that smell?

or does it take dozens?

jay

The beetles themselves have no discernable smell.

[capt44]

I agree, I'd be checking for foul brood.
That's how it got it's name, from the foul smell.
But if the bee population is low then the hive beetles will go on a egg laying rampage and destroy the comb causing it to ferment.

[jayj200]

Our bee president came by last week
while the sour grass odor has dissipated.
he said all the hives are booming.
harvested 5 gals of honey from one hive
thanks for your replies
jay