SHB MESS

[papabear]

In the last three weeks i have been moving and helping my inlaws move and neglected the bees. I knew that one hive had shb but they have been there for 2 years just not lots of them. Well I went in on Friday June 13th and the hive is lost! Just a handful of bees and lots of yellow liquid and slim with shb and maggats every where. There was a deep full of capped honey last time i checked now it is slimy. What equipment can i keep out of this or do i throw it all away.

[JP]

You can keep all of your equipment, you'll just have to clean it up a bit. Put it all out in the sun and between the elements and the lizards, you won't have as much to clean.


...JP

[Cindi]

Papabear, oh that is sad news.  When I read these stories of the devastation that this horrible pest brings, I can't stand it.  It makes me feel sad, all the bees want to do is live, and we want to help them with this, and the small hive beetle takes over.  I am sorry to hear of your loss, it sickens me and I have to honestly tell you, I am grateful and feel so fortunate that we don't have this nasty creepie bug in our locale.  I hope it never migrates further north.  Keep your chin up, others will chime in to tell you more of what to do.  But you must take action and figure it out.  Read up about the SHB, there are traps I hear that help immensely with this creep.  Good luck, I am wishing you well.  Have that beautiful day, it is Father's Day, a special day, remember that too.  Cindi

[asprince]

Your hive got weak. I have lost several nucs and splits that very same way. If you catch them soon enough, wash out the maggots, (you won't be able to wash them all out) pop them in the freezer over night and then give the frames to a strong hive for clean up. You may want to reduce the space in the weak hive so they will have less frames to defend.

SHB's are nasty and will completely destroy a small hive if left unchecked.

Speaking from experience, Steve

[sc-bee]

Also weak is a relative term --- not necessarily weak from disease etc. I strong hive will swarm and not leave enough bees to protect the pollen and honey. Just ask me I know:

[asprince]

I agree, by weak I mean defense challenged. That can be caused by disease or other natural causes.

Steve