Strong vinegar smell from hive (only hive in yard)

**southeastflorida** · 02-18-2011, 04:23 PM

what causes that?
strong hive, sort of hot, some honey is super etc.

**Brent Bean** · 02-18-2011, 04:53 PM

Did you check for small hive beetle infestation?

**WillH** · 02-18-2011, 05:03 PM

Please check this out.
http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187862

**Brent Bean** · 02-18-2011, 05:33 PM

The link WillH posted talks primarily about Goldenrod, this plant blooms in fall and I don’t think it blooms at all in Florida. A strong vinegar smell is either from a nectar source in your area or something more sinister. I had a couple of hives that died in early fall and were reoccupied and fouled by SHB the smell was vinegar. If the hive is strong a little help form you will quickly solve the problem.

**southeastflorida** · 02-18-2011, 06:52 PM

Bettles couldn'lt have been real bad, but thanks, I will check a little deeper.
35 years and no viel, but to requeen this hive, will take some garb. (moderately hot) There is some goldenrod in parts of Florida, but again will have to do my homework.

**fatscher** · 02-18-2011, 07:33 PM

I smelled vinegar in my hives in Tennessee last fall. Never thought about Goldenrod. I never knew the source. If you hives look healthy I'd assume all is well. My hives all lived after that incident.

**RayMarler** · 02-18-2011, 08:31 PM

Could it be fermented nectar perhaps?

**southeastflorida** · 02-18-2011, 10:52 PM

"fermented nectar"? -- possibility

**RayMarler** · 02-18-2011, 11:09 PM

nectar, or sugar water nectar, or honey that is not capped, will absorb moisture and ferment sometimes late fall to spring.

**southeastflorida** · 02-19-2011, 01:18 AM

Yea, that is what it is, fermented honey, thanks all.

**mac** · 02-19-2011, 04:51 AM

Originally Posted by Brent Bean

The link WillH posted talks primarily about Goldenrod, this plant blooms in fall and I don’t think it blooms at all in Florida. A strong vinegar smell is either from a nectar source in your area or something more sinister. I had a couple of hives that died in early fall and were reoccupied and fouled by SHB the smell was vinegar. If the hive is strong a little help form you will quickly solve the problem.

Lots of golden rod in N. Fl makes great fall honey. When they bring it in it smells like dirty gym sox. tastes great though.