A colony is inactive in mid-February
One of your colonies is inactive in mid-February. It had provided you with a good harvest in 2025. Upon opening the hive, you find that the colony has died; the number of dead bees on the frames and on the hive floor is low, the brood pattern is patchy, and food reserves are still well present.
What is the diagnosis?
- Colony dead from cold
- European foulbrood
- Varroosis
- American foulbrood
- Colony dead from starvation
- Drone-laying colony
View the answer
Correct answer: 3 (Varroosis)
 A close examination of the frame reveals: dead bees with their heads protruding from the cells and tongues extended; perforated cappings; varroa excreta on the cell walls |
What can the beekeeper do?
It is recommended to strengthen the bees’ natural defenses against diseases by applying the principles of good beekeeping practice. Colonies are healthy when they develop well (adult bees and brood), show good hygienic behavior, and produce good yields. In practice, these are referred to as strong or vital colonies (see cover image). Good colony vitality depends on many factors. The beekeeper mainly has the following influencing factors at their disposal:
- Apiary location with good forage conditions (a continuous food flow) and a suitable local climate.
- Regular creation of young colonies and replacement of weak colonies.
- Selection of queens with sufficient vitality traits (colony development, cleaning behavior).
- Regular renewal of combs.
- Control of the Varroa mite in accordance with regulations – hygiene in the apiary.
- Caution when introducing bees from other locations (diseases!).
- Refraining from any importation of bees from regions outside Europe.