The various pests that attack bees are ;
- Ants.
These enter the hive when there is a plant touching the hive.They make holes in the hive which allows water in the hives and causes rotting. A broken or rotten hive allows honey badgers in the hive which destroys combs and bees.
Control.
. Avoid contact between a plant and the hive.
. Suspend the hive with wires between the poles. The wire and posts should be coated with old engine oil to keep of the aunts.
2) Wax moth.
Larvae of wax moth hatch from eggs laid in cracks in the hive. They protect themselves with grey web. They make tunnels in the combs and contaminate honey with their excreta.
Wax moths, particularly the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) and lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella), are a common pest in bee hives, with their larvae damaging combs and stored equipment.
Here’s a more detailed look at wax moths and their impact on beekeeping:
What they are:
- Two Main Species: The two primary species of wax moths that affect honeybee colonies are the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) and the lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella).
- Larval Stage (Waxworms): The larvae of wax moths, also known as waxworms, are the destructive stage, feeding on beeswax, pollen, and honeybee debris.
- Life Cycle: The moths lay eggs, which hatch into larvae that tunnel and chew through combs, eventually pupating and emerging as adult moths.
- Not a cause of colony destruction: Wax moths are not the initial cause of colony destruction, but they can damage combs in weak or declining colonies.
How they damage bee hives:
- Comb Damage: Wax moth larvae tunnel and chew through combs, particularly those containing brood and pollen, causing significant damage.
Storage Issues:
They also damage stored equipment and combs, especially in dark, warm, and poorly ventilated areas.
Weak Colonies:
Weak colonies are more vulnerable to wax moth infestations, as they cannot effectively defend their hive from the moths and their larvae.
Webbing and Frass:
Signs of wax moth infestation include webbing, tunneling in the comb, and the presence of frass (larval droppings).
control.
. Remove and burn all infected combs.
. Old combs or wax left after harvesting honey should immediately be melted.
3) Bee louse.
This is a parasite of bees. The larvae are hatched in the wax and spoil the comb. The adult louse is found on the thorax of bees. Several can be seen on the queen.
Control.
. Smoke out the hive using a smoker that has some creosote to control the pests.
4) Honey Badgers.
These are small strong animals which spoil hives and eat honey. To control them, hung hives with wires so that they swing when honey badgers climb on them. This makes honey badgers to fall, therefore discouraging them.These predators specifically target hives to feed on honey. To prevent their attacks, it is recommended to maintain strong colonies and place hives at higher positions that are more difficult for honey badgers to reach.
5. Termites .
These pests can attack beehives due to factors such as poor hive structure, improper hive placement, and inadequate hygiene. They feed on bee eggs, larvae, combs, and honey. Preventive measures include greasing hive inspection wires to hinder the movement of ants and termites into the hive. Additionally, clearing vegetation beneath the hives eliminates potential breeding environments for these intruders.
6. Hive beetles.
Hive beetles are another common threat that feed on combs, larvae, and bee eggs. Large entrance holes in hives provide easy access for these pests. To combat them, it is recommended to have smaller entrance on the hive to deter beetle entry. Additionally, maintaining a strong colony within the hive and physically removing the beetles are effective strategies for managing this intrusion.
7)_Sugar ants.
These predators attack beehives to consume combs, bee eggs, and honey. Greasing suspension hive wires and regularly cleaning the apiary can help deter them from invading the hive.