Enemies of bees often become a problem for any beekeeper. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to monitor the apiary and understand which representatives of the environment can be harmful. Enemies of bees are found everywhere. It can be insects, birds and other animals.
Enemies of bees among insects
The pests of bees in this group are the most numerous. This is due to the great diversity of the insect of the world. The impact on bees with insects can be very different. Some of them are engaged in the ruin of hives. Others prefer to enjoy "hard workers." The main representatives of the enemies of bees among insects: wasps and hornets.
Wasp and hornet
Many people think that wasps and hornets are close relatives of bees. This is true, but these insects are robbers. Due to their larger size and strength, they attack distant brethren, take away honey and eat it with pleasure. At the same time, wasps and hornets prefer to destroy weak families.
Arachnids
Typical predators who are not averse to eating not only bees, but also the above wasps, as well as hornets. Hunters prefer to attack while collecting pollen. The most dangerous are the saltpugs - these are the number one enemy of bees. A light-colored spider is distinguished by its dimensions (approximately 70 mm in length) and usually hunts at night.
Ants
Ants are located near the hives, regularly robbing them. Raids are made in large groups. The main goal of ants is honey.Although insects do not give up bee larvae. Because of this, there is an indirect extinction of bees, since such events have a bad effect on the life of the entire hive.
Wax moth
Wax moth for beekeepers is a real headache. Larva lays eggs in the hive. After that, the wax begins to deteriorate. As a result, deterioration of feed and brood. This leads to serious bee diseases.
Bugs
Bugs are very unpredictable harmful insects. Usually they are no more than 8 mm. Settled in the lower part of the hive and are distinguished by their agility.
Feathered
The death of bees is the result of exposure not only to insects. Birds are also not averse to feasting on striped “workaholics”. Not all species prefer to hunt for bees. However, it is birds that do the most harm.
Golden bee-eater
Golden bee-eater is a small bird that attracts with its bright plumage and large beak. It seems to be a cute and beautiful creature. But behind the beauty is the terrible gluttony of this bird. One bee-eater can destroy approximately 1 thousand insects daily.
European bee-eater
Representatives are distinguished by a two-tone brown color. The size of the bird is about 60 cm. They hunt in packs, attack the bees in the opposite direction, destroying them in large numbers.
Gray shrike
The gray shrike eats mainly pollen pickers. Its length is about 30 cm, the color is dark gray with white inserts on the abdomen and shoulders. Birds are settled close to the apiary.
Other animals
Part of the animals is also pests of bees. Some animals kill insects.Others spoil hives, carry various diseases. Still others do not mind eating fresh honey.
Mice and rats
These include mice and rats. These animals can gnaw hives, thereby upsetting the climate balance. In addition, they carry a variety of viruses and infections. Mice consume both bees and honey.
Hamsters
This includes small rodents that live in the field. Voles are typical representatives of this family. Animals prefer to live in hives, driving insects out.
Hedgehogs
Typical predators that hunt bees in the dark. Prefer a healthy death. At night, weakened insects cannot resist this animal.
Reptiles
Lizards are actively hunting for individual individuals of the bee family. The lizard feeds mainly on working insects. An animal can destroy a couple dozen bees a day. The lizard awaits insects in an ambush at the moment when they return after collecting.
Measures to combat the enemies of bees
The death of bees is always a sad phenomenon. It is also unpleasant when the crop is reduced, or the swarm leaves the apiary. To prevent sad consequences, it is recommended to fight parasites. It doesn’t matter which representatives attack the hive. All methods of struggle are approximately the same.
The beekeeper should always observe the condition of the hives, evaluate the behavior of insects. It is worth inspecting the adjacent territory for the presence of enemy hives, holes and nests. Upon detection, the enemies of the bees must be etched. Feathers can be driven away with the help of stuffed animals.
Every beekeeper should not forget about the hive hygiene. Dirt and moisture attract parasites. For this reason, it is important to check the internal condition of the hives and keep them clean. If there are malfunctions or traces of pests, immediate measures must be taken to solve these problems.
