One more thing

[Monie]

While I was sitting near the hive, yesterday, I noticed the fait odor of fermentation. Now, it has been hot and pretty humid the last few weeks. Although I haven't seen any, should I be worried about a SHB infestation?

[Jeffzhear]

I've never seen a SHB in my hives and pray I don't, but will deal with it when and if it occurs. If you are in a SHB area you could always put in an AJ Beetle trap and monitor it just to be on the safe side.

As for the fermentation smell...it's been humid as all get-out here and the air is filled with the smell of nectar being processed into into honey. If your smelling what I am smelling, it's a normal smell! Hopefully you are!

[Monie]

I don't know that I'm in a SHB area, but I am in the process of order a bettle trap, just to be safe.

I sure hope I'm just smelling honey being processed.

[MapMan]

Don't fret too much, Monie - it will take the fun out of it! The bees usually have a way to work things out for ya. Have fun!

MM

[Ardilla]

I am slowly learning MapMan's wisdom. Rushing in to "fix" a problem may cause more problems. Then again remember your observation next time you do an inspection. Worrying does take the fun out of it...

[Ravenseye]

I'll bet it's a normal smell. I LOVE that smell. A mixture of wax, honey and pollen. It's almost yeasty.

[melodywise]

I'll bet it's a normal smell. I LOVE that smell. A mixture of wax, honey and pollen. It's almost yeasty.

I find it kind of comforting. It smells a little like baking bread to me.

[Dr.Wax]

I would not go by smell alone. You should follow up on your next scheduled inspection by looking for SHB adults in the hive if you are concerned.

You are most likely smelling bee bread which is pollen mixed with nectar and honey.

[Michael Bush]

Smells are very subjective. "When in doubt check it out". Honey and bee bread often have a yeasty bread like smell. This should not be too strong nor should it smell like alcohol. Aster and goldenrod honey (don't know which one) often smell like dirty socks. SHB according to those who have smelled it, have a fermented, alcohol, orange peel smell.

[Monie]

This is definitely more of a faint, yeasty, sour smell. No orange or alcohol smell to it.

I asked a couple of ladies, who have had their hives for a few years, to come and check mine. I'm happy to report that they couldn't detect the odor, nor did they see evidence of SHB. In addition, I was instructed to add a honey super.

[gingerbee]

If you have aster or goldenrod in your area when the bees begin collecting nectar you will notice a smell comming from your hives. Actually, you'll smell it outside the hives. It's distinctive but also normal. Enjoy!