Spotty Brood

[Pharmacyman]

Is it normal to see only spotty brood on frames this time of year? I inspected this hive yesterday. Lots and lots of bees in all 5 boxes. Resources look good. Just completed second Apiguard treatment. Did not recheck for Varroa. Did not see queen, but saw larvae like you can see if you zoom in on the photos. Would you have any concerns of seeing only spotty brood?

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[Wally]

I would be very worried. That hive cannot survive in that condition. See if you can get one of the mentors to help you find the queen and replace her ASAP. Either that, or call the state inspector.

[reedyfork]

Did you say 5 boxes??? Based on my issues with SHBs lately, I am a big believer now in reducing the size of the hive down as much as possible in the fall (max. double deep). Also makes inspections and finding the queen that much easier.

I would also have some concerns about my varroa treatments being effective with that much space.

That said, Wally is the expert here, but I have come to expect a smaller patch of brood and a "spottier" pattern this time of year (from most of my colonies). Whether because of pollen in frames, back-filling cells due to feeding syrup, etc. Or maybe I have some poor queens or other issues and am just making excuses to myself!

[Wally]

That is too far gone to call spotty brood, IMHO. Look at the few caps that are left. They are not smooth. They are wrinkled. Likely dead brood. I didn't see any white larva. All I see is a few possible chalk brood or similar white spots, but none that looks like living larva.