By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
Mastering these skills will help you protect bee colonies and ensure healthy, productive hives in your beekeeping career.
Compiled by: Esther Wachira
Bee production is a critical component of Kenya's agricultural sector, contributing significantly to crop pollination, biodiversity, and income generation for rural communities. Effective management of bee pests and diseases is essential to maintain healthy colonies, maximize honey production, and ensure environmental sustainability. This chapter focuses on the identification, inspection, and control of common bee pests and diseases, equipping agriculture and extension professionals with practical skills to support beekeepers across diverse Kenyan agro-ecological zones.
Bee pests and diseases pose a constant threat to the productivity and survival of honeybee colonies in Kenya. These challenges affect the quality and quantity of honey and other hive products, impacting farmers’ livelihoods and national food security. Managing these threats requires a sound understanding of the biological agents involved, timely detection through regular inspection, and application of appropriate control measures tailored to local conditions.
Understanding key terminology related to bee pests and diseases is foundational for effective management and communication among extension officers and beekeepers. Accurate use of terms ensures clarity in diagnosis, reporting, and intervention strategies.
Bee pests are living organisms, such as insects or mites, that directly harm honeybee colonies by feeding on bees, larvae, or hive resources. For example, the Varroa destructor mite attaches to adult bees and brood, weakening them and spreading viruses. Pests reduce colony strength, leading to decreased honey yields and increased vulnerability to other diseases.
Bee diseases are pathological conditions caused by microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa that infect bees or the hive environment. American foulbrood (AFB), caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae, destroys brood and can decimate entire colonies if untreated. Diseases often require specific treatments and management protocols to prevent spread within apiaries and neighbouring farms.
Infestation refers to the presence and proliferation of pests within a bee colony or hive. A severe infestation compromises colony health, often necessitating urgent control actions. For instance, heavy infestation by the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) causes damage to combs and stored honey, rendering products unsuitable for consumption.
Infection describes the invasion and multiplication of disease-causing agents within the bees or hive materials. Infected colonies may show symptoms such as deformed wings, brood mortality, or unusual bee behaviour. Early detection of infections like Nosema disease (caused by Nosema apis or Nosema ceranae) allows for timely intervention.
Colony collapse is a phenomenon where the majority of worker bees disappear from the hive, leaving behind the queen, brood, and food stores. This can result from a combination of pests, diseases, pesticide exposure, and environmental stresses. Understanding the triggers of colony collapse helps in developing integrated pest and disease management plans.
Regular hive inspection is a critical practice that enables beekeepers and extension officers to monitor colony health, detect early signs of pests and diseases, and implement timely control measures. Inspections must be systematic, thorough, and adapted to local climatic and seasonal conditions.
Inspections should be conducted at least once every two weeks during active seasons when bees are foraging, such as during the long rains in central Kenya. Increased frequency is necessary when colonies show signs of stress or after treatment applications. Avoid inspections during bad weather to reduce colony disturbance.
Essential tools include a hive tool for prying apart frames, a smoker to calm bees, and a bee brush for gentle removal of bees from combs. Protective gear such as a veil, gloves, and a full suit reduce the risk of stings and allow for safer handling of bees during inspection. For example, extension officers working with smallholder farmers in Kisumu County emphasize protective clothing to build beekeeper confidence.
Start by smoking the hive entrance to reduce bee aggressiveness. Remove the hive cover and inner cover carefully, then examine each frame for brood pattern, presence of pests (e.g., Varroa mites, wax moth larvae), and signs of disease such as foul odour or brood discoloration. Note the condition of combs, honey stores, and bee behaviour. Record observations systematically to track colony health over time.
Look for specific indicators such as chewed combs indicating wax moth infestation, sunken and perforated brood caps characteristic of American foulbrood, or mites attached to adult bees. Observing bees with deformed wings or crawling behaviour suggests viral infections transmitted by Varroa mites. Early identification facilitates prompt treatment and reduces spread.
Define the terms "pests" and "diseases" in the context of bee colonies and explain how they differ. (6 marks)
Outline six steps involved in the inspection of bee hives for pests and diseases. (12 marks)
Discuss five signs that indicate a honeybee colony is infested or infected. (10 marks)
Explain why regular hive inspection is crucial for sustainable bee production in Kenya. (7 marks)
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Create a free accountThis chapter explored the management of bee pests and diseases, beginning with key definitions and the importance of regular inspection of bee hives to detect early signs of infestation or illness. It examined major bee viruses and the impact of Nosemosis on colony health, alongside the challenges posed by Varroa mites as significant parasites. The role of pests such as the Small Hive Beetle and ants was analyzed, highlighting their detrimental effects on hive productivity. Various methods for controlling these pests and diseases were discussed, emphasizing integrated approaches to maintain healthy colonies. The chapter also covered the systematic preparation of control records to monitor interventions and outcomes effectively. Practical procedures for carrying out hive inspections and implementing pest and disease control measures were detailed to equip beekeepers with essential skills for sustaining productive apiaries.
Type: Individual
| Tools & Equipment | Materials |
|---|---|
| Hand lens | Dust coat/Overall |
| Plain white paper | Gumboots |
| Pen | Face mask |
| Gloves | |
| Bee pest and disease sample kit (real specimens and images) | |
| Scouting record form | |
| Waste disposal bag | |
| Soap | |
| Water |
| S/N | Item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dust coat/Overall | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 2 | Gumboots | 1 Pair per Candidate |
| 3 | Face mask | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 4 | Gloves | 1 Pair per Candidate |
| 5 | Hand lens | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 6 | Plain white paper | 2 Pcs per Candidate |
| 7 | Bee pest and disease sample kit (real specimens and high-resolution images) | 1 Kit per Candidate |
| 8 | Scouting record form | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 9 | Pen | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 10 | Waste disposal bag | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 11 | Soap | Enough for all Candidates |
| 12 | Water | Enough for all Candidates |
| Items to be Evaluated | Marks Available | Marks Obtained | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| TASK 1: Identification and Documentation of Bee Pests and Diseases | |||
| Wore dust coat/overall, gumboots, face mask and gloves correctly before commencing the task. (Award 1 mark for each PPE worn correctly or zero x 4 = 4 Marks) | 4 | ||
| Assembled all required tools and materials (hand lens, plain white paper, sample kit, scouting form, pen, waste disposal bag, soap, water). (Award 2 marks for assembling all items or zero) | 2 | ||
| Examined provided bee pest and disease samples and images using hand lens and plain white paper. (Award 1 mark for use of hand lens, 1 mark for use of plain white paper or zero x 2 = 2 Marks) | 2 | ||
| Identified at least 4 bee pests and 4 bee diseases from samples and images. (Award 1 mark per correct identification, up to 8 marks) | 8 | ||
| Recorded pest and disease names, distinguishing features, signs, and possible control recommendations on the scouting form. (Award 2 marks for each of pest name, disease name, features/signs, recommendations x 4 = 8 Marks) | 8 | ||
| Disposed used papers and gloves in waste disposal bag as per safety protocols. (Award 2 marks for proper disposal or zero) | 2 | ||
| Cleaned hands and equipment (hand lens) with soap and water after the task. (Award 1 mark for cleaning hands, 1 mark for cleaning equipment or zero x 2 = 2 Marks) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 28 | ||
| PRODUCT CHECKLIST | |||
| Scouting record form is fully completed with at least 4 bee pests and 4 bee diseases accurately identified, including distinguishing features and signs. (Award 1.5 marks per correct pest and disease set, up to 6 marks) | 6 | ||
| Recommendations for control provided for each pest and disease are relevant and actionable. (Award 0.5 mark per recommendation, up to 4 marks) | 4 | ||
| Scouting record form is neat, legible, and properly organized. (Award 2 marks for neatness and organization or zero) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 12 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 40 | ||
Type: Individual
| Tools & Equipment | Materials |
|---|---|
| Bee suit (full overall) | Langstroth bee hive (active colony) |
| Gumboots | Standard bee pest and disease inspection form |
| Bee veil | Waste disposal bag |
| Bee gloves | |
| Hive tool | |
| Bee smoker | |
| Hand lens (10x) | |
| White inspection tray/paper | |
| Pen | |
| Bucket with clean water | |
| Soap |
| S/N | Item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Langstroth bee hive (active colony) | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 2 | Bee suit (full overall) | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 3 | Gumboots | 1 Pair per Candidate |
| 4 | Bee veil | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 5 | Bee gloves | 1 Pair per Candidate |
| 6 | Hive tool | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 7 | Bee smoker | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 8 | Hand lens (10x) | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 9 | White inspection tray/paper | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 10 | Standard bee pest and disease inspection form | 2 Pcs per Candidate |
| 11 | Pen | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 12 | Bucket with clean water | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 13 | Soap | Enough for all Candidates |
| 14 | Waste disposal bag | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| Items to be Evaluated | Marks Available | Marks Obtained | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| TASK 1: Preparation and Inspection Process | |||
| Wore full bee suit, gumboots, veil, and gloves correctly before entering the apiary (Award 0.5 mark for each PPE item worn correctly or zero. 0.5x4 = 2 marks) | 2 | ||
| Assembled all required tools and materials before starting the inspection (Award 0.25 mark for each item correctly assembled: bee smoker, hive tool, hand lens, inspection form, white tray, pen, water bucket, soap, waste bag. 0.25x8 = 2 marks) | 2 | ||
| Lit the bee smoker and used smoke at the hive entrance and under the lid (Award 1 mark for safely lighting smoker, 1 mark for correct application at entrance and lid or zero. 1x2 = 2 marks) | 2 | ||
| Opened the hive gently using the hive tool without damaging combs or agitating bees (Award 2 marks for gentle opening and correct hive tool use or zero) | 2 | ||
| Removed frames and placed them on white inspection tray for observation (Award 1 mark for correct removal, 1 mark for using tray or zero. 1x2 = 2 marks) | 2 | ||
| Inspected internal hive surfaces, frames, brood, and bees for pests and disease signs using hand lens (Award 1 mark each for: internal surfaces, frames, brood, adult bees. 1x4 = 4 marks) | 4 | ||
| Checked for and identified presence of common bee pests (e.g. wax moth, small hive beetle, ants, varroa mite) and disease symptoms (e.g. chalkbrood, foulbrood, Nosema) (Award 1 mark for each correctly checked: wax moth, small hive beetle, varroa mite, brood diseases. 1x4 = 4 marks) | 4 | ||
| Collected debris and pest samples (if any) into waste disposal bag (Award 2 marks for correct collection and disposal or zero) | 2 | ||
| Closed the hive properly and ensured no bees were trapped (Award 2 marks for proper closure or zero) | 2 | ||
| Cleaned and washed hands, hive tool, and tray with soap and water after inspection (Award 1 mark for washing hands, 1 mark for cleaning tools and tray. 1x2 = 2 marks) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 24 | ||
| TASK 2: Documentation and Reporting | |||
| Completed the bee pest and disease inspection form accurately and legibly (Award 2 marks for all relevant fields completed and legible or zero) | 2 | ||
| Recorded all observed pests, diseases, and symptoms with location and severity details (Award 1 mark for each: pest, disease, severity/location. 1x3 = 3 marks) | 3 | ||
| Made appropriate recommendations on the inspection form for control or further action (Award 2 marks for clear, relevant recommendations or zero) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 7 | ||
| PRODUCT CHECKLIST | |||
| Inspection form is fully completed, clearly indicating: date, hive ID, pests/diseases found, location, severity, and recommendations (Award 0.5 mark for each field: date, hive ID, pests, diseases, location, severity, recommendations. 0.5x6 = 3 marks) | 3 | ||
| Inspection report is neat, readable, and free of omissions (Award 2 marks for neatness and completeness or zero) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 5 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 36 | ||
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