Bee robbing

  • 26 Jun 2026 7:42 AM
    Reply # 13646933 on 13646721
    Allen Engle (Administrator)

    Hello Melissa,

    Sorry about your robbing issues.  There are a lot of techniques people use to avoid robbing.  I've not had any luck with them after the robbing has started.  Once the robbers find a weak colony with any stores, they are pretty relentless bees aren't smart, but they aren't stupid either.  (it's a lot easier and more efficient to steal honey from a weak colony than it is to collect nectar from forage plants)

    What has worked after robbing has been established, is to move the hive to another location, at least a mile or two away and bulk them up with bees if possible, and perhaps a robbing screen to avoid it getting started.

    In the future, it's much easier to avoid, than to fix.  Keep the colony strong and healthy.  during a dearth, keep your inspection times to a minimum, and even use an inspection cover (canvas sheet with a slot to cover the top of the hive, leaving an opening to pull out frames one at a time.  Clean up or avoid honey and wax spills.

    Best of luck with the colony.

  • 25 Jun 2026 2:50 PM
    Message # 13646721

    Ok folx, my newest hive is being robbed. It’s been relentless for over a month now. It’s a new hive as of March. I have: a full robber screen, an apivar strip for mites, no food supply in there from me, and still they won’t give up. They started as a nuc so they don’t even have much food stored in there.  I also have another hive 5’ away with no issues. Today I have the sprinklers on shooting around the hive to try and shift some scents or something. I’ve considered: trying the wet sheet tonight, closing them up completely for a day or two and/or moving the hive at night. Although I worry the robbers will just go to the next hive over. Any help is appreciated!!

    

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