Which Diseases Can Affect Honey Bees?

Nowadays, it is really more difficult to discover the diseases that honey bees may have. There are so many of them and they are growing bigger with the development of the world. The diseases in honey bees are not always beekeepers’ fault. It does not have to mean that they have done something wrong. However, the least we can do is to learn many of the possible situations that may appear and affect our bees. In addition, we have extracted some of the diseases you should be aware of.

Varroa Mites

The good thing is that you can see varroa with the naked eye (the picture above shows a bee affected by varroa mites). Varroa is something that has been present for many years now and it may be the source for losing the colonies. You should always inspect your beehive and follow the varroa levels. There is a need for treatment if they cross the acceptable minimum level. There are many different ways of treating varroa, so you should follow the advice from more experienced beekeepers around you.

Nosema

This is a disease that is caused by a parasite that is formed on the adult’s digestive system. Nosema is affecting the bee in such a way, that the bee cannot absorb and get the necessary nutrients. The difficult part is about discovering that there is something actually wrong. You should look for the next sign – bees‘ wings cannot be folded properly, they distend outside the body. Another bad thing is that the treatment may result in a negative effect on the bees. It includes the antibiotic fumagillin.

European and American Foulbrood

The European Foulbrood occurs due to conditions in the beehive that have a stressful impact on bees. For example, this can be such situations as attacks by pests, losing the queen and beekeeper‘s not so good management of the beehive. In the case of European Foulbrood, there do not exist perforated cappings.

On the other hand, American Foulbrood is a disease that happens due to AFB bacterium that forms. This bacterium is attacking pupae and older larvae. You should look for the following signs: pupal cells are getting attached to the stick if you poke them; the existence of perforated capping on the brood. These are the most significant kinds of diseases that can affect bees.

The treatment is different, according to the type of Foulbrood. For the American Foulbrood, you can try with antibiotics or burn the affected beehives. On the other hand, regarding the European type, you and also try antibiotics, or if you face the case of losing the queen – you can try requeening.

Tracheal Mites

This is a disease that is affecting the breathing of the honey bees. Unfortunately, this is not something clearly visible. However, you can check more thoroughly if you notice that the bees are having troubles flying and are struggling to move at the hive entrance, they seem to be crawling. The treatment consists of using grease and menthol patty in late summer and early fall.