Pollen still coming in

[thomas]

Hello

Today after we have had ice frost and cold nites today was some what warm and my girls were at it full blast. They were gringin all kinds of pollen i even saw some that was lime green now you would think with all the cold weather and ice everything would have died out but they have a pollen source that they are going to. I mean the sky around the hives were filled with bees coming and going but i did see some dark brown stuff on the front and side of my hives so i am thinking that is were they relieved themselves on thier cleaning flights but all looked well. I did see somw workers that were on the ground dying so i take it they were old bees and thier time had come but were are they getting pollen it is some thing strange because i looked every where and could not find anything blooming.

Tom

[Panhandle Bee man]

Look to the trees, some pines, junipers give off pollen this time of year, my red maples were way early, willows and some of the oaks have been giving pollen

[thomas]

Thanks i will it is going to be in the 50's sunday but what about the brown stuff i see all over my hives is this aomething i need be worried about or is this the bath room for them.

Tom

[Mike Gillmore]

>> what about the brown stuff i see all over my hives

From your discription it sounds like they were just out on cleansing flights, taking advantage of the warm spell.

If this continues and you notice a slow build up or other problems with the colony then it may be more than just cleansing or dysentery, possibly nosema. If so, you can treat with Fumagilin-B mixed with your syrup in the spring.

I would not worry too much right now, but watch them and keep this in the back of your mind. Just something to think about.

http://www.ent.uga.edu/bees/Disorders/Nosema.htm

[thomas]

Thank you for this information i will keep check on them as i always do sso far they are doing fine still trying to gather pollen and reaing brood but i am going to buy the product you said i hear that it will make them increase thier honey production also.

Tom