Nosema of bees is understood as an invasive pathology of adults, drones and queens. This disorder is caused by parasites - nosemas. They are localized in the midgut of insects. The disease is predominantly found in areas with long winters. Moreover, it develops closer to spring, when the bees’ wintering is not yet over. To cope with the violation, it is necessary to take timely measures.
What is nosematosis in bees?
This term refers to an infection that often provokes mass death of bees and leads to significant losses for beekeepers.The disease usually affects bee colonies at the end of winter.
Its development is provoked by parasites - nosemas, which are concentrated in the intestines of bees. Their spores can live for a long time in the body of a bee and its feces without manifesting itself in any way. In conditions of elevated temperature and humidity, symptoms of the disease appear literally within 3-4 days.
Routes of infection
Bees can become infected from the following sources:
- external environment;
- water with parasite spores;
- feed;
- feces of infected insects;
- infected bees;
- honeycombs with infection;
- drones and thieving bees.
The risk of developing the disease increases significantly in the following conditions:
- lack of natural food;
- living in cold areas with long winters;
- sudden temperature fluctuations;
- disturbance of the microclimate in the hive;
- the presence of honeydew in the feed.
Signs and symptoms
The main manifestations of the disease include the following:
- severe diarrhea, frequent bowel movements;
- significant contamination of the hive walls;
- eating large amounts of bee bread and honey;
- severe disturbance of insects, especially in winter;
- change in the consistency of feces - they become watery and acquire a pronounced sour smell;
- flight of infected bees from the hive and subsequent death of insects;
- reducing the number of brood;
- loss of performance 1-2 weeks after the lesion;
- deterioration of reaction to external stimuli;
- lethargy of insects;
- flabbiness and bloating of the abdomen;
- trembling wings;
- paralysis and paresis of limbs;
- strong noise in the hive during wintering;
- an increase in the number of dead animals;
- very slow family development.
Diagnostic methods
To identify the disease, it is recommended to focus on the clinical picture, epidemiological data and laboratory tests. If there is a suspicion of infection in a particular family, the following is sent to the laboratory:
- 50-100 live bees from a colony;
- feces;
- washes from foundation sheets;
- dead queen or fresh dead 10-20% of families living in the apiary;
- 5 grams of honey, 0.5 grams of bee bread.
Treatment options
To cope with nosematosis, it is important to take timely measures. Otherwise, there is a high probability of losing all broods. First, the remaining individuals need to be sent on a cleansing flight. After returning, they must be placed in clean homes, and contaminated homes must be thoroughly disinfected.
Drug therapy
The following medications are recommended for the treatment of nosematosis:
- “Nosemacid” is produced in powder form. To obtain a medicinal solution, per 10 liters you need to take 2.5 grams of powder mixed with 30 milliliters of water. The finished solution must be applied to the frames - 100 milliliters each. The procedure should be performed 2 times with an interval of 5 days.
- “Fumagilin-B” - to make the medicine, it is recommended to take 20 grams of the substance and mix it with 4 kilograms of powdered sugar and 1 kilogram of melted honey. The finished composition should be placed on bars of bee frames, 100-150 grams per 1 street. The drug can be used until mid-April.
- “Enteroseptol” – crushed tablets are recommended to be added to the fertilizer. For 1 liter of syrup you should use 1 milligram of the product.
Folk remedies
To prevent and eliminate nosematosis, you can use folk recipes. Active substances include:
- Garlic tincture. To prepare it, you need to take 1 milliliter of the composition and 200-250 milliliters of syrup.
- Tincture of bitter pepper. To make it, it is recommended to take 50 grams of dried pepper and 1 liter of boiling water. Then 40 milliliters of the composition must be mixed with 1 liter of syrup.
- Wormwood tincture. To do this, you need to take 75 grams of pharmaceutical herb and mix it with 500 milliliters of alcohol or vodka. Leave for a week, then strain. Then take half a large spoon and add to 1 liter of fertilizer.
Prevention
To avoid the development of nosematosis, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- Maintain exceptionally strong and hardy bee colonies in apiaries.
- Before using worker bees, queens and brood, check them for the presence of pathogens.
- Carry out regular disinfection of hives.
- Choose the right place to install the hives.
- Create favorable conditions for wintering.
Nosema is a dangerous disease that can lead to the death of bees. To cope with pathology, you can use medications and folk remedies.
