Common Bee Hive Pests & Predators

Bee Hive Pests – Identify and Control

So many of us have dreams of keeping honey bees. Whether we hope to produce delicious honey, increase pollination in our gardens or just learn more about bees – beekeeping is an enduring hobby. But we are not the only ones hoping to benefit from the work of bees. There are many bee hive pests and predators that threaten the health and productivity of our hives.

Honey bees forage far and near gathering food for the colony. Millions of blooming plants are visited to collect nectar and pollen.

As the tiny worker bee collects necessary resources for the hive, she is at risk. Foraging is a dangerous activity with numerous honey bee predators around.

Her short life may end prematurely and this is the very reason that a honey bee family has thousands of individuals. They work together for the benefit of the colony.

Danger Inside the Bee Hive

While the foraging bee takes the greatest risk on a day by day basis, house bees are also in danger.

Several types of bee pests do their damage inside the actual hive. Here they consume resources and spread diseases that affect the entire colony.

The presence of some of these pests place the colony at a high risk of failure.

Others are more of a nuisance and only become a major problem in a colony that is sick or weak for other reasons.

Controlling Varroa Mites

A relatively new pest to the European Honey Bee ( found in the Us) is the varroa mite. This external pest of the honey bee is a small reddish mite.

They are not the only mites in the hive but they are the most deadly. Varroa are small but large enough to be seen with the naked eye.

Varroa Mites are the #1 killer of beehive world wide. Feeding on bees and brood, these mites weaken colonies and result in deformed, disease ridden adults.

It is vital for the beekeeper to monitor the level of varroa infestation in any beehive. Then treatment options can be considered if needed. Testing for Varroa Mites.

Even beekeepers familiar with the dangers of mite infestation may fail to act quickly. There is sometimes a tendency to wait until Fall to treat. This can be a devastating mistake for bee colonies – When to Treat Bees for Mites

Varroa mites are the #1 killer of honey bee colonies. They weaken bees and spread disease. Varroa mite populations must be controlled.– Best Varroa Mite Treatments.

In recent years, the use of oxalic acid for varroa mite control has become popular in the US. Used successfully for years in Europe, American beekeepers have added this tool to their mite control program. – Oxalic Acid Vaporization for Mite Control

Can essential oils help honey bees be healthier?Many beekeepers say yes. Enjoy these essential oil recipes used by beekeepers to promote hive health.– Best Ways of Using Essential Oils for Honey Bees.

Dangers of Small Hive Beetles

Small Hive Beetles originated in Africa. A hard shelled black beetle, they can fly for miles. They are a major pest for beekeepers in many parts of the United States.

Small Hive Beetles are a pest in many regions of the US. One of the best ways to deal with hive beetles is to understand their behavior. Small Hive Beetles in Beehives

In addition to keeping strong bee colonies, the use of beetle traps can help. Several different styles of small hive beetle traps are available. Guide to Small Hive Beetle Traps & Treatments

Minor Bee Pests in the Hive

Some types of bee hive pests are more of a nuisance than a true threat to the colony. Of course, that does not mean that they pose no threat.

A weak, sick colony may succumb to even a mild threat. That is why it is important to do everything in our power to keep our colonies strong and healthy.

Preventing Wax Moths

Wax Moths get a bad rap in the world of beekeeping. Blamed for the death of many colonies, they are actually nature’s scavengers.

Did Wax Moths kill your bees? It may seem to be the case but moths rarely kill healthy hives. Wax Moths vs Beehives

Ants inside the Hive

Some species of ants can certainly cause colony failure. However, most of the time, ants bother the beekeepers more than the bees themselves.

Ants are tiny insects that seem to be able to get anywhere. If ants are causing a problem in your beehives, here are some great tips to help keep them away! Ants in Beehives – How to Keep them Out

Predators of the Hive

Of course, foraging bees are subject to attack by many different predators. And some of predators actually come to the hive to attack – Giant Asian Hornets – Should Beekeepers Worry?

Conclusion:

Every serious beekeeper wants to do everything possible to help our bee colonies be healthy and productive.

Sometimes that requires a bit of intervention to help the colony deal with common bee hive pests.

Beekeeper Charlotte