Honey Bee Parasites, Pests, Predators and Diseases

Chalkbrood (chalkbrood at hive entrance)

Infected larvae, stretched out in their cells in an upright position, are removed by nurse bees two to three days after symptoms first appear. Dead larvae (mummies) are often found in front of the hive, on the landing board, or in a pollen trap. In strong colonies, most of these mummies will be discarded by worker bees outside of the hive, thus reducing the possibility of reinfection from those that have died from chalkbrood. No treatment is presently available for control. In some cases, chalkbrood can be reduced by requeening colonies with a young queen.