I thought things were going well, last time I did a full inspection (just before Christmas) no probs but last week I did a quick check of a few frames and tried to pull out the drawer but it was stuck so I left it.
This morning I checked out front to see how they were and all happy activity, besides ants, which I dealt with but a bit later I decided to get the drawer out and when I did my heart plummeted as there were lots of chalkbrood mummies. Considering the extreme hot weather (Adelaide)
I am using a flowhive2, bottom vent in the open position, plug in the top board. I put the super on last week seeing as the frames had all been built (should I have waited until they were full?) Hoping but not expecting to have a harvest this season with the hot dry weather as it is.
The flowhive is situated with late afternoon westerly shade, sitting behind the cubby house which is slightly raised, facing East but clear overhead most of the day. 3m from side fence.
The hive is a swarm I attracted late Spring. I see there are dark and golden striped worker bees.
The Queen was at the bottom inside of the second frame and not quite in focus but at least now I know what to look for. Likewise, I guess I’m learning lots the hard way.
I suited up with my smoker and took lots of photos and videos and inspected each frame.
Nothing obvious to the eye, but closer inspection of pics I later found the elusive queen and things my bad eyesight isn’t good at picking up through veils, like larvae. So yay for that!
Spotted maybe 3 mummies in cells overall, but how do I know what is behind the capped cells?
Do I just clean the tray (dispose of debris hygeinically) and inspect in a few days?
What number would be acceptable and under control?
Does my queen seem to be doing a decent job?
Seems to be lots of bees in the hive, lots of brood space free.
! and not much rain I am puzzled by this.