An Overview of Common Pests and Diseases That Affect Honeybees, and How to Prevent and Treat Them

As a fellow beekeeper, it’s crucial to be aware of common bee pests and diseases that can affect honeybees. In this article, we provide an overview of these pests and diseases, including their symptoms, life cycle, and treatment options.

Common Pests That Affect Honeybees

The following pests are among the most common ones that affect honeybees:

Varroa Mites

Varroa mites are a major problem for beekeepers and are considered the most serious pest of honeybees worldwide. They are external parasites that feed on the hemolymph (insect blood) of honeybees. Varroa mites weaken the bees, making them more vulnerable to other diseases and pests. If left untreated, a varroa mite infestation can lead to colony collapse and the death of the hive.

Symptoms of a varroa mite infestation include deformed wings, reduced population, and poor honey production. The mites are visible on the bees and can be seen as reddish-brown or black oval-shaped creatures on the bees’ bodies.

To prevent and treat varroa mites, beekeepers have a range of options available. Chemical treatments, such as formic acid, oxalic acid, or thymol, are effective at killing varroa mites. However, they must be used carefully and according to the instructions, as they can be harmful to the bees and the beekeeper.

Alternatively, beekeepers can use non-chemical treatments to control varroa mites. These methods include:

• Drone Brood Trapping: Varroa mites prefer to reproduce in drone brood cells. By removing the drone brood cells regularly, beekeepers can prevent the mites from reproducing and reduce their numbers in the hive.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: By dusting the bees with powdered sugar, the mites become stuck to the sugar and are then dislodged from the bees. The sugar also stimulates grooming behavior in the bees, which helps to remove the mites.
• Essential Oil Treatment: Certain essential oils, such as thyme, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil, have been shown to be effective at controlling varroa mites. These oils can be added to the hive in various ways, such as by placing them on the top bars of the hive or using a vaporizer.

It’s important to note that varroa mite prevention and treatment is an ongoing process and should be done regularly throughout the beekeeping season. Regular monitoring of the hive is crucial to detecting a varroa mite infestation early, so that treatment can be initiated before the infestation becomes too severe.

Varroa mites are a serious threat to honeybees, but there are effective ways to prevent and control their infestation. Beekeepers can use a combination of chemical and non-chemical methods to keep their hives healthy and thriving. By monitoring the hive regularly and using appropriate treatments, beekeepers can reduce the impact of varroa mites and help their bees thrive.

Wax Moths

Wax moths are another common pest that can affect honeybees. There are two species of wax moths: the lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella) and the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella). They lay their eggs in the honeycomb, and their larvae feed on the wax and honey, causing damage to the comb. The larvae spin silken threads as they feed, which can create a web-like material in the hive.

Symptoms of a wax moth infestation include webbing and damage to the honeycomb. If left untreated, the larvae can destroy large portions of the comb, and the weakened comb can become susceptible to other pests and diseases.

To prevent and treat wax moths, beekeepers have a range of options available. These methods include:

• Freezing: Wax moths cannot survive in cold temperatures, so placing the affected frames in a freezer can be an effective treatment. The frames should be frozen for at least 24 hours to ensure that all of the wax moth larvae are killed.
• Heating: Like freezing, heating can also be an effective treatment for wax moths. Placing the affected frames in a warm location, such as a heated room, can kill the larvae. However, care must be taken to ensure that the wax does not melt, as this can cause damage to the comb.
• Natural Predators: Some species of beetles, such as the small hive beetle or the carpet beetle, can be natural predators of wax moths. Introducing these predators to the hive can help to control the wax moth population.
• Chemical Treatments: There are several chemical treatments available to control wax moths. However, care must be taken to follow the instructions carefully, as these treatments can also harm the bees and contaminate the honey.

It’s important to note that prevention is the best way to avoid a wax moth infestation. Beekeepers should ensure that their hives are kept clean and free from debris, and that any unused comb is stored in a dry, cool location to prevent wax moths from laying their eggs.

Wax moths can be a serious problem for beekeepers, but there are effective ways to prevent and control their infestation. By keeping the hives clean and free from debris, and using appropriate treatments, when necessary, beekeepers can help their bees thrive and produce delicious honey.

Small Hive Beetles

Small hive beetles (Aethina tumida) are dark-colored beetles that can be found in beehives. They are native to sub-Saharan Africa but have spread to other parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Australia. They lay their eggs in the honey and pollen, and their larvae feed on these food sources, causing damage to the comb and stored food.

Symptoms of a small hive beetle infestation include slimy honey, damaged combs, and a foul odor. The larvae can cause extensive damage to the honeycomb, and the weakened comb can become susceptible to other pests and diseases.

To prevent and treat small hive beetles, beekeepers have a range of options available. These methods include:

• Traps: There are several types of traps available that can be used to capture small hive beetles. One popular option is the beetle blaster, which is a plastic container filled with vegetable oil that is placed in the hive. The beetles are attracted to the oil and become trapped in the container.
• Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, such as tea tree oil, have been shown to be effective at controlling small hive beetles. These oils can be added to the hive in various ways, such as by placing them on the top bars of the hive or using a vaporizer.
• Physical Removal: Beekeepers can also physically remove small hive beetles by scraping them off the comb or using a vacuum to suck them out of the hive.

It’s important to note that prevention is the best way to avoid a small hive beetle infestation. Beekeepers should ensure that their hives are kept clean and free from debris, and that the hive is not overcrowded. Regular inspections of the hive can help to detect any signs of a small hive beetle infestation early, before it becomes too severe.

Small hive beetles can be a serious problem for beekeepers, but there are effective ways to prevent and control their infestation. By keeping the hives clean and free from debris, and using appropriate treatments, when necessary, beekeepers can help their bees thrive and produce delicious honey. Regular inspections of the hive are crucial to detecting a small hive beetle infestation early, so that treatment can be initiated before the infestation becomes too severe.

Common Diseases That Affect Honeybees

The following diseases are among the most common ones that affect honeybees:

American Foulbrood

American foulbrood is a bacterial disease that affects honeybee larvae. It is caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae and is highly contagious. The disease is spread when infected larvae die and release spores, which can infect healthy larvae.

Symptoms of American foulbrood include sunken cappings, foul odor, and discolored larvae. The larvae become brown and gooey, and the affected cells may have a dark or sunken appearance. The disease can be fatal to the colony if left untreated, as the infected cells can spread the disease to healthy cells.

To prevent and treat American foulbrood, beekeepers have a range of options available. These methods include:

• Antibiotics: The use of antibiotics, such as oxytetracycline or terramycin, can be effective at treating American foulbrood. However, these antibiotics must be used carefully and according to the instructions, as they can also harm the bees and contaminate the honey.
• Destruction of the Infected Hive: In some cases, the best course of action is to destroy the infected hive. This involves burning the hive and all of its contents to prevent the spread of the disease to other hives.
• Preventative Measures: Beekeepers can take preventative measures to avoid the spread of American foulbrood. This includes regular inspections of the hive, maintaining good hygiene and cleanliness, and using new or sterilized equipment. If an infected hive is identified, it should be isolated and treated immediately to prevent the spread of the disease to other hives.

It’s important to note that prevention is the best way to avoid American foulbrood. Beekeepers should ensure that their hives are kept clean and free from debris, and that the bees are healthy and strong. Regular inspections of the hive are crucial to detecting American foulbrood early, so that treatment can be initiated before the disease becomes too severe.

American foulbrood is a serious disease that can be fatal to honeybee colonies. Beekeepers can take a range of preventative measures to avoid the spread of the disease and use appropriate treatments when necessary. Regular inspections of the hive are crucial to detecting American foulbrood early, so that treatment can be initiated before the disease becomes too severe.

European Foulbrood

European foulbrood is another bacterial disease that affects honeybee larvae. It is caused by the bacterium Melissococcus plutonius and is highly contagious. The disease is spread when infected larvae die and release spores, which can infect healthy larvae.

Symptoms of European foulbrood include discolored larvae, foul odor, and sunken cappings. The larvae become yellowish-brown and dry, and the affected cells may have a sunken or perforated appearance. The disease can be fatal to the colony if left untreated, as the infected cells can spread the disease to healthy cells.

To prevent and treat European foulbrood, beekeepers have a range of options available. These methods include:

• Antibiotics: Although antibiotics, such as oxytetracycline or tylosin, can effectively treat European foulbrood, it is crucial to use them with caution and in accordance with the instructions, as they have the potential to harm bees and contaminate honey.
• Destruction of the Infected Hive: Sometimes, the most effective way to contain the spread of the disease to other hives is to destroy the infected hive completely by burning both the hive and its contents.
• Preventative Measures: Beekeepers can take preventative measures to avoid the spread of European foulbrood. This includes regular inspections of the hive, maintaining good hygiene and cleanliness, and using new or sterilized equipment. If an infected hive is identified, it should be isolated and treated immediately to prevent the spread of the disease to other hives.

It’s important to note that prevention is the best way to avoid European foulbrood. Beekeepers should ensure that their hives are kept clean and free from debris, and that the bees are healthy and strong. Regular inspections of the hive are crucial to detecting European foulbrood early, so that treatment can be initiated before the disease becomes too severe.

European foulbrood is a serious disease that can be fatal to honeybee colonies. Beekeepers can take a range of preventative measures to avoid the spread of the disease and use appropriate treatments when necessary. Regular inspections of the hive are crucial to detecting European foulbrood early, so that treatment can be initiated before the disease becomes too severe.

Nosema

Nosema is a fungal disease that affects the gut of the honeybee. It is caused by the microsporidian fungi Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae. The spores of the fungus are ingested by the bees, and they grow and multiply in the gut, causing damage to the intestinal lining. This can reduce the lifespan of the bees and weaken the colony.

Symptoms of Nosema include dysentery, reduced population, and reduced honey production. Bees infected with Nosema may defecate inside the hive, resulting in a build-up of feces and an unpleasant smell. The disease can also cause the bees to have a reduced appetite, which can result in a weaker colony.

To prevent and treat Nosema, beekeepers have a range of options available. These methods include:

• Antibiotics: The use of antibiotics, such as fumagillin, can be effective at treating Nosema. Fumagillin is a prescription drug and should be used under the guidance of a veterinarian.
• Natural Treatments: Natural treatments, such as probiotics or essential oils, can also be effective at treating Nosema. Probiotics can help to restore the gut microbiome and improve the bees’ digestion, while essential oils can help to boost the bees’ immune system and reduce the fungal load.
• Hygiene and Nutrition: Good hygiene and nutrition are also important in preventing Nosema. Beekeepers should ensure that the hives are kept clean and free from debris, and that the bees have access to a healthy diet. This includes providing them with pollen and nectar sources and supplementing their diet with sugar syrup when necessary.

It’s important to note that prevention is the best way to avoid Nosema. Beekeepers should ensure that their hives are kept clean and free from debris, and that the bees are healthy and strong. Regular inspections of the hive are crucial to detecting Nosema early, so that treatment can be initiated before the disease becomes too severe.

Nosema is a serious fungal disease that can weaken the honeybee colony. Beekeepers can take a range of preventative measures to avoid the spread of the disease and use appropriate treatments when necessary. Regular inspections of the hive are crucial to detecting Nosema early, so that treatment can be initiated before the disease becomes too severe. Good hygiene and nutrition are also important in preventing Nosema, and beekeepers should ensure that their hives are kept clean and free from debris, and that the bees have access to a healthy diet.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest management that involves using a combination of preventive and treatment methods. The goal of IPM is to minimize the use of pesticides and chemicals, and instead focus on natural and sustainable methods for controlling pests and diseases.

To implement IPM in your beekeeping practice, you should start with regular monitoring of your hives for signs of pests and diseases. This can involve inspecting the hive regularly, checking for any unusual signs, and keeping detailed records of any observations. It’s also important to maintain good hive hygiene, such as keeping the hive clean and removing any dead bees or debris.

Next, you should focus on preventing pests and diseases from entering your hive in the first place. This can involve using techniques such as hive placement, good ventilation, and reducing stress on the bees. You can also use natural treatments, such as essential oils or natural predators, to help control pests and diseases.

If an infestation or disease is detected, it’s important to act quickly to prevent it from spreading. This can involve using targeted treatments, such as natural predators, essential oils, or antibiotics. You may also need to remove any infected combs or hives, to prevent the spread of disease to other hives.

Bee Pests and Diseases – Conclusion

In conclusion, as a fellow beekeeper, it’s crucial to be aware of common pests and diseases that can affect honeybees. By using a combination of preventive and treatment methods, such as IPM, you can help keep your hives healthy and productive. Regular monitoring and good hive hygiene are key to preventing and controlling pests and diseases, and it’s important to act quickly if any signs of infestation or disease are detected. Remember, healthy bees mean healthy hives, and healthy hives mean delicious honey and a thriving ecosystem.