I am a very new beekeeper based in Victoria, Australia. It is just over a month since we set up our Flow hive with a nuc. I have been checking the bottom tray every few days, and I keep finding what looks like under-developed larvae in the tray. I have attached a photo. A search of the forum has not brought me any answers.
When I did the last inspection 2 weeks ago there seemed to be plenty of uncapped brood, but I am still learning what to look for. I will do another inspection and take photos later this week if this bottom tray is cause for concern.
Can anyone tell me what I am seeing here?
That looks like chalkbrood to me. The bees try to clean up infected cells by pulling out the mummified pupae. It doesn’t look too bad from your photo, but an inspection is essential and photos would help us to help you. Make sure you do it on a warm, dry day, because cold and wet weather can cause chilled brood, which often proceeds to chalkbrood.
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I agree that it’s chalk brood, which can get worse during wet weather, especially if we’re giving the bees added ventilation, or even a large entrance. The entrance needs to be no more than 15 sq. cms., with no added ventilation.
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