Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Honey robbing by outsider bees can begin during a beekeeper's inspection, when
honey is exposed. If robbing begins, close up all colonies as fast as you can.
Restrict the entrances of the colonies doing the robbing by inserting grass or a
reducer, and completely close up the colony that is being robbed until the behavi-
or ceases. A weak colony can be killed by robbing bees during the melee.
Bees that were robbing will continue to investigate previous openings, trying
to gain entrance. If you've done your job, they won't be able to enter and in any-
where from a few minutes to a few hours, the turbulence in the area of the colony
subsides. When it appears that life is back to normal, it will be safe to slightly open
one entrance to the colony that was being robbed. Leave the entrance reduced for
days, or even weeks if the colony remains small or weak. Don't work any colony
during a dearth, and know and watch for signs of robbing. It may be the worst
thing that can happen to your colony and to your good reputation as a beekeeper.
Apple blossoms are nearly universal and provide much-needed nectar and pollen in the
spring when they bloom.
Sweet clover is one of the dominant nectar plants in the northern hemisphere.
