There are a number of bugs that can infiltrate a bee hive. Here are a few of the most common bugs
- For the backyard bee keeper most bug problems have a simple solution.
Ants -
Problem- may want to nest inside the hive
- Solution – make sure your cover is tight, place your hive on a hive stand . If you have ants place sticky tape around the legs (the tape that is used to keep ants out of fruit trees)
- Beetles -
- Problem: The small hive beetle is an import from Africa. The larvae damages capping, comb, and ferments honey.
- Solution – maintain colony strength;
- Any frames that have beetles, freeze for 48 hours, Frames not in a hive should be carefully stored in an airtight container.
- Mites
- Problem - The varroa mite lives on developing bees. It kills and deforms them. It also attaches itself to adult bees.
- Solutions – Make sure your hive has a screened bottom board. If you have the mite in your hive, sprinkle powdered sugar in the hive. The mite can’t hold onto the bee if the bee has sugar on it. The mite falls off the bee and through the screened bottom board. The sugar is consumed by the bees as carbohydrates.
- Wax Moths
- Problem - Adult wax moths may enter a hive and lay eggs.
- Solution - Strong hives will remove the eggs and larva while weak hives can easily become overwhelmed.
- Wax moths will lay eggs in the colony. Wax moths go after pollen. By freezing used frames for 48 hours before storage you kill all the bee pests.
It's True! It is dangerous to use an insecticide on your hive since bees are also bugs and you plan on eating the honey.
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