Expert Beekeeping Tips
Robbing: A Threat to Beehive Health and Productivity
During periods when nectar is scarce, beehives that are abundant with honey and brood can attract various predators, turning these resources into a beacon for wasps, hornets, Yellow Jackets, and even other bees. The entrance size of a hive plays a crucial role in its vulnerability to robbing. With large openings, guard bees struggle to fend off intruders who, once inside, can alert their colony to the abundant food source. This not only leads to the loss of honey and nectar but also endangers the brood, a critical protein source. A vicious cycle ensues, where even robust hives can be significantly weakened by repeated attacks. This dual depletion of food resources and population during such events underscores the need for effective hive protection strategies, especially in adverse environmental conditions.
