Brood Health Observations

To inspect a colony for signs of brood health issues, carefully inspect your brood frames for signs of the following problems. Hold the frame between 90° and 45° degrees so you can see to the back of the cell, with the sun at your back to allow sunlight to fully  illuminate inside of the cells. ​

Perforated cappings
​Small, pin-sized holes in cappings of sealed brood.

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Bald brood
Uncapped pupae that are still alive and white.

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Chewed Down Brood
​Pupae that have been partially cannibalized. Pupal casing is often found to be incomplete, empty, or visibly chewed down.

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Melted brood
​Larvae that have melted down into a snotty or liquid mass at the bottom of the cell. Also commonly referred to as "snot brood."

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Chalkbrood
Early signs: Similar to Sacbrood virus; uncapped pre-pupae appear sunken. Before sporulating, infected larvae look like miniature brie cheese (white casing, cream center).
Late stage: Firm but crumbly, white to grey-black "mummies" that look like chalk. Mummies are sometimes found on the landing board.