When a hive is robbed, it usually happens because of nectar shortage. Bees from other colonies invade weaker hives and steal honey. They will tear open the honey cells to get to the honey while bringing in mites and other diseases to your colony.
Prevention is better than stopping this robbing, so follow the measures that will set your hives in the first line of defence:
- Restrict the size of the opening by using the entrance reducer.
- Never leave honey near the hives or during a dearth in the nectar flow. The smell will be like a magnet for the other bees and it will set the robbing. Always extract honey somewhere inside.
- In case you are feeding the bees sugar syrup, be careful not to spill drops outside the feeder – it will increase the chances for robbing.
- Place the feeder inside the hive, away from the entrance.
Keeping your colony strong and healthy will prevent robbing from threatening your colonies. How are you preventing or dealing with hive robbing? You are always welcomed to comment below.
Happy beekeeping!
