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How to prevent robber
At the end of the honey flow season, when the weather is sunny and warm, bee theft can become a common issue in apiaries. This happens because the natural sources of nectar are reduced, making bees more aggressive and prone to stealing from other colonies. Some bees from a different hive may invade and rob honey, while others might bring stolen honey back to their own nests. In some cases, thieves even store the honey in containers, creating serious problems for the original colony. The main causes of such theft include insufficient honey supplies and poor management practices. For instance, weak or queenless colonies, poorly sealed hives, or prolonged inspections that leave honey exposed can all create opportunities for theft.
If left unchecked, these theft incidents can escalate quickly. Robber bees may attack each other, steal honey, harm or kill the queen, and even cause entire colonies to collapse or flee. These issues can spread to neighboring hives, leading to widespread damage and loss.
To identify if a colony is being robbed, look for unusual behavior around the hive. Bees may be flying erratically, fighting at the entrance, or gathering near cracks in the hive. Robber bees often target weaker colonies, starting by taking the front honey stores before moving on to the rest. They tend to be active early in the morning and late in the evening. If you suspect a robbery, sprinkle some flour near the hive entrance. If a thief returns, it will leave a trail of flour, helping you identify the source.
Prevention is key. Ensure your colonies are strong, well-fed, and housed in tightly sealed hives. During the honey flow, keep the hive densely packed so that both bees and brood are evenly distributed. Adjust the hive entrance to prevent easy access. Avoid unnecessary inspections, especially during peak foraging times, and clean up any spilled honey immediately. Queenless colonies should be re-queened or merged promptly. Weak colonies can be strengthened by merging them with stronger ones or adding empty combs to support them.
If a robbery has already occurred, take immediate action. Use a robber screen to reduce hive entrances, protect the queen with a queen cage, and quickly identify the rogue colony. Temporarily remove the queen to disrupt the thieves' activities. Another method involves relocating the robbing group by placing an empty hive with a few combs in its original spot, along with small tubes or barriers that allow entry but not exit. After one to two days, release the bees. This can help reduce their desire to steal.
Additionally, you can catch a few strong, old bees from the robbing group, mark them with a small pin on their abdomen, and place them on the doorstep of the attacked hive. The sight of dead bees nailed to the entrance can scare off many robbers. Most of the thieves will stop coming the next day, and the colony will return to normal.