Am I Being Robbed?
Am I Being Robbed? Signs of Robbing in Beehives
As a beekeeper, observing the behaviour of your bees provides valuable insight into the health and dynamics of your colony. In March, a key month for beekeeping in Australia, bees transition from summer abundance to the cooler, resource-scarce autumn period. With nectar flows potentially diminishing, their activities shift, and challenges like bee robbing may emerge. In this post, we explore what bees are doing in March and how to identify the signs of robbing in beehives, a critical issue that can threaten colony stability.
What Are Bees Doing in March?
In the Southern Hemisphere, March marks the onset of autumn, influencing bee behavior as environmental conditions change. With temperatures cooling and floral resources waning, foraging bees focus on collecting the last of the season’s nectar and pollen. Inside the hive, workers store these provisions, evaporating excess moisture from nectar to produce honey and sealing it with wax caps for preservation. The queen’s egg-laying may slow as the colony prepares for a less active winter, though this varies by region and climate.
In Tasmania, where I manage my hives at Frogmouth Ponds, the crisp air prompts a shift. My bees are busy fortifying their stores with nectar from late-blooming plants, such as leatherwood or manuka, if available. This industrious behavior ensures they have sufficient reserves for the colder months, a common focus of Australian beekeeping during autumn.
What Is Bee Robbing, and What Does It Look Like?
Bee robbing occurs when bees from one colony invade another to steal honey or sugar syrup, often triggered by scarcity or exposed resources. Unlike the cooperative foraging of a healthy hive, robbing is chaotic and aggressive, posing a risk to weaker colonies unable to defend themselves. Recognizing the signs of robbing in beehives is essential for beekeepers to intervene promptly and protect their bees.
Key indicators of robbing include:
Increased Activity at the Hive Entrance: A sudden surge of bees at the entrance, far exceeding normal traffic, is a primary sign of robbing. Unlike orderly foragers, robbing bees dart frantically, often clashing with resident guards.
Fighting Behavior: Physical confrontations at the entrance or landing board are evident. Guard bees attempt to repel invaders, resulting in wrestling or tumbling pairs—a stark contrast to the calm demeanor of a healthy hive.
Erratic Flight Patterns: Robbing bees exhibit zigzag or aggressive hovering near the hive, unlike the purposeful flight paths of foragers returning with pollen.
Trying multiple entrances: Bees trying to gain access through cracks and in between boxes and the lid.
Wax Debris and Damage: Post-robbing, torn comb or scattered wax fragments near the entrance may appear, as invaders disrupt honey stores with little regard for hive structure.
Weakened Colony Signs: After a robbing event, the targeted hive may appear disorganized or depleted, with fewer bees and reduced stores. In severe cases, the colony may collapse.
Why Does Robbing Happen in March?
In March, as natural food sources decline in Australia, stronger colonies may target weaker ones to bolster their reserves. Exposed honey—perhaps from an open feeder or a poorly defended hive—can attract robbers, especially during autumn beekeeping when sugar syrup supplementation is common. At Frogmouth Ponds, I use internal feeders and reduce entrance sizes to prevent robbing bees from exploiting my hives.
How to Prevent and Manage Robbing
To safeguard your hive and prevent robbing, consider these steps:
Reduce Entrance Size: A smaller entrance is easier for guard bees to defend. Use an entrance reducer or temporary barrier to limit access.
Avoid Spillage: When feeding sugar syrup, ensure no leaks occur outside the hive, as even a faint scent can draw robbing bees.
Strengthen Weak Colonies: Monitor hive strength and unite smaller colonies if needed to enhance their defenses.
Intervene Early: If robbing begins, cover the entrance with a damp cloth or screen to disrupt invaders while allowing resident bees to regroup.
By understanding bee behavior in autumn and recognizing the signs of robbing in beehives, you can take proactive measures to maintain a thriving colony. At Frogmouth Ponds, I’ve found that vigilance during this transitional season ensures healthy, resilient hives. What signs have you noticed in your own apiary? Share your experiences below as we navigate the fascinating world of Tasmanian and Australian beekeeping together.
