How to prevent robbing between hives?
Robbing occurs when bees from stronger colonies steal honey from weaker ones, typically during nectar dearths. It can destroy the victim colony and spread diseases between hives. Prompt intervention and preventive management are essential.
- Keep honey and syrup covered at all times5
Never leave honey supers, open feeders, or syrup spills exposed in the apiary. Exposed sugary substances are the single most common trigger for robbing behavior, especially during nectar dearths from late summer through autumn.
📌 best practice📌 free4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ None
- Reduce hive entrances during dearth periods4
Narrow the hive entrance to a small opening (about 10-15 mm wide) using an entrance reducer or a simple block of wood. A smaller entrance allows the colony's guard bees to defend effectively against incoming robbers.
📌 diy📌 low cost4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Entrance reducer or wood block
- Install robbing screens on vulnerable hives3
Mount a robbing screen over the hive entrance to create an alternate entry path that resident bees learn but robbers cannot find. The screen blocks the direct entrance and redirects the colony's bees through a side or top opening that they quickly memorize.
📌 commercial📌 diy4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Robbing screen (commercial or DIY from #8 hardware cloth and wood frame)