What Are K Wing Bees?

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What are k wing bees? There is quite a bit of confusion around this term. In this article, we will clear that up.

K-wing bees are precisely that – let’s explain. Normally a bee can clip its wings together when it flies.

1.What Are K-wing Bees?

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K-wings in bees are a bit like a limp in a person – they are a symptom, not a disease. To find out the root cause we have to delve deeper into the various diseases bees can suffer from. 

2. Causes Of K-Wings In Bees

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Viruses

We mentioned earlier that Tracheal mites can transmit viruses. Other mites such as Varroa mites also transmit viruses. 

3.

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How To Limit K-Wings and Deformed Wing Virus Problems

As you have seen in the above descriptions of various symptoms, mites are often at the core of the problem. 

4.

It is clear that Deformed Wing Virus is transmitted by varroa mites. Hence deformed wing virus treatment is really just varroa treatment. This is a nice overview of varroa mite control methods.

5. Varroa Mite Treatment

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ADVICE

When a bee has so-called K-wings, the rear wings will spring backwards making a K shape if you look at the bee from the top. Because the bee cannot clip its wings together, it is unable to fly. 

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