Protecting Your Hive from Pests and Diseases

dunnybees
Apr 25
2 min read

A healthy hive is a happy hive, but pests and diseases can threaten your bees if left unchecked. As a beekeeper, it’s important to know what to look for and how to prevent common issues before they become serious problems. Let’s go over the main threats to your hive and how to deal with them.

Common Pests in the Hive

Varroa Mites

• Tiny reddish-brown parasites that attach to bees and weaken them.

Can spread viruses and cause colony collapse if left untreated.

• How to prevent/treat:

✅ Use a screened bottom board to reduce mite populations.

✅ Perform regular mite counts and use treatments like oxalic acid vaporization or formic acid if necessary.

🐝 Small Hive Beetles

• Small black beetles that lay eggs in the hive, leading to slimy, fermented honey.

• How to prevent/treat:

✅ Keep your hive strong—weak hives are more vulnerable.

✅ Use beetle traps or oil traps inside the hive.

🐝 Wax Moths

• Moths that lay eggs in weak hives; their larvae tunnel through wax and destroy comb.

• How to prevent/treat:

✅ Keep your hive strong—healthy colonies fight them off.

✅ Store unused frames in a freezer or airtight container.

🐝 Ants

• Some ant species will invade hives to steal honey or disrupt the colony.

• How to prevent/treat:

✅ Place your hive stand legs in cups of vegetable oil to prevent ants from climbing.

✅ Keep the area around the hive clean and free of debris.

Common Bee Diseases

⚠️ American Foulbrood (AFB)

• A deadly bacterial disease that kills bee larvae and spreads quickly.

• Signs: Foul smell, sunken brood caps, brownish larvae.

• Treatment: Unfortunately, infected hives must often be burned to prevent spread.

⚠️ European Foulbrood (EFB)

• Similar to AFB but less severe.

• Signs: Spotty brood pattern, yellow or twisted larvae.

• Treatment: Feed bees well and requeen if necessary.

⚠️ Chalkbrood

• A fungal disease that turns larvae into hard, chalky mummies.

• Signs: White or gray mummified larvae in brood cells.

• Treatment: Improve hive ventilation and requeen if needed.

⚠️ Nosema (Bee Dysentery)

• A fungal infection that weakens bees’ digestive systems.

• Signs: Brown streaks on the hive entrance, sluggish bees.

• Treatment: Keep the hive well-ventilated and provide clean food sources.

How to Keep Your Hive Healthy

✔️ Regular Inspections – Check for signs of pests or disease every 7-10 days in warm months.

✔️ Keep Your Bees Strong – A healthy colony can fight off many threats on its own.

✔️ Control Mite Populations – Regularly monitor for Varroa mites and treat when needed.

✔️ Maintain Good Hygiene – Clean old combs, remove dead bees, and replace aging equipment.

✔️ Provide Plenty of Forage – A well-fed hive is a resilient hive!

Final Thoughts

Pests and diseases are part of beekeeping, but with good management, you can keep your colony thriving. Stay vigilant, learn to recognise early warning signs, and take action before problems get out of control.