It just gets worse, and worse. There won't be any solid frames of capped brood within a few weeks after finding it. The first hive I found it in, looked just like the pictures I posted. 10 days later, anybody could have found it, or at least noticed a problem.

Spotty brood frames can be caused by other things, but they should always be cause for alarm. Something isn't right.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14