Mould, fungus & Disease - a brief overview
Don’t Let Moisture Ruin the Stay for your Tiny Tenants!
If your bug hotel starts to show signs of mould or visible rot, the first thing to check is for a source of the moisture. Rain blowing in? Leaks? Holes?
To prevent mold from setting up camp, you’ll need to identify and eliminate the moisture source before it becomes a permanent fixture.
Nosema: The Silent Hotel Killer in Your Bug Hotel
One unwelcome guest, Nosema, can create a lot of trouble. Caused by two species of microsporidian parasites (Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae), this disease is like a stealthy saboteur in your hotel.
Once a bee checks into your hotel with Nosema, the parasite wreaks havoc on its digestive system, causing lasting issues. Infected bees struggle to process food, causing them to skip vital life stages, like brood rearing, and forcing them into foraging duties too soon. These "early bird" bees often have shortened lifespans, impacting the overall productivity of your bee colony.
In the worst-case scenario, your whole bee "hotel" could be wiped out by this silent pest. So, just like any good hotel manager, keep an eye on the health of your guests, and make sure you're prepared to deal with Nosema before it checks in and overstays its welcome!
Chalkbrood Disease: The Unwelcome Fungal Guest at Your Bug Hotel
Chalkbrood disease is one bad guest your bug hotel does not want to host. This fungal infection, caused by Ascosphaera apis, invades your bee larvae, causing them to starve to death and leaving behind chalky, mummified bodies.
The spread of this fungus is fast and ruthless—once larvae ingest the spores, the fungus grows inside them, turning them into fluffy white mummies. In a busy bee hotel, those mummies can become a breeding ground for millions of spores, which can easily spread to other larvae and guests.
The most common occurrence of Chalkbrood happens when there is a dip in temperature or when the bugs are under stress, and their ability to maintain a stable brood temperature is compromised. If the larvae are not maintained in optimal conditions, such as consistent warmth and proper nutrition, they become prime targets for the fungal spores.
Prevent this fungal plague by regularly checking for infected rooms and removing them immediately. Keeping your hotel in a properly sheltered location and reducing other stressors is key to providing a comfortable stay for your guests.
Dealing With Disasters!
While we’ve given you the basics, there are many other hotel troubles that could crop up.
If you have any guest complaints, just send us some photos and info, and we’ll be happy to help you manage the situation so your bug hotel remains a top-rated establishment!