Guilfordbeekeepers.org

When inspecting my two hives this weekend, I noticed multiple adult bees with what looked like a white powder on them. Almost like mold specks on wings, body, legs, etc. Nothing crazy, and no other deformities or odd behavior. Does this sound like anything familiar (and no, it was not pollen)?

It almost sounds like wood ash or paper ash, but that is just a guess. Just hope it is not Sevin dust.

I got a better look today, and am going to try and attach photos. The bees are bearding like crazy today - I guess due to the heat and humidity... Anyway, the white specks are definitely bothering the bees as they do seem to be trying to rub and groom themselves to get rid of them. Almost reminds me of dandruff or ash or something. Maybe something weird with wax scales or something else related to newly-emerged bees?

I'll try to attach some photos if I can.

First try at attaching photos...

Tree sap? Fondant? Any other guesses (or does someone know what this is)?

So I was able to catch a couple bees and take off the specks from the tips of their wings. After a taste-test, I determined it's not sweet like fondant or sugar crystals... They hard-ish and granular though. I need to find someone with a microscope!