Pests and PredatorsThe Not-So-Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Predators and PestsWhat We Will Cover
• Mites: Tracheal and Varroa• Small Hive Beetle• Wax Moths• Ants, Spiders, Earwigs• Wasps, Hornets, Yellow Jackets• Mice• Skunks, Raccoons, Badgers, Bears• Domestic Livestock and Not-So-Domestic
Predators and Pests• Mites: Began to be a significant problem in the mid
1980’s with 50%-80% losses in the North East in 1995.– Tracheal mites (Acampis woodi)• Microscopic in size, numerous
enough to impede respiration• See bees crawling on ground in front of hive• Biggest problem in Fall decreasing the life span of the Winter bee• Treatment: Menthol and formic acid (Mite-Away II)
– temperature dependant (50-79 degrees); most effective 60-75 degrees– can’t use when honey supers are on – grease patties may stop the transfer of mites from one bee to another (6c
sugar mixed with 3 c hydrogenated vegetable shortening – Crisco) divided into 10 patties, 1 per hive
Mites cont.
Varroa mites (Varroa destructor): Originally found on the eastern hive bee of Asia which had adapted to the mite and enjoyed a host/parasite relationship. Transferred to the honey bee which did not have a defense to this parasite resulting in killing majority of feral hives in US
• Oval reddish brown mite lives on the outside of the adult bee and larva and are visible• Detection: Mite board inserted under the screened bottom board or ether roll
technique• Treatment:
– Apistan; Mite-Away II; Sucrocide; Apiguard; Api Life Var; Hivastan; Check Mite (illegal to harvest honey) Mites have developed resistance to Apistan
– Soft chemicals such as Formic Acid, Thymol, Sucrose octanoate can be sprayed on bees; treats tracheal mites; Eucalyptus essential oil
– Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Natural method • Drone comb• Screened bottom boards• Split (no brood)
Predators and Pests cont.
• Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida)
• Discovered in southern US in 1996.• Adult has six legs, two pair of wings, reddish brown/black, ¼” long;
feed off of pollen on solid bottom boards• Larvae are cream; 1/16”; when mature they burrow into the ground
under the hive• Treatment: Usually not necessary in this
stateRelocate hiveFreezing temps
Predators and Pests cont.
• Wax Moths -- Don’t attack bees directly
– Larvae feed on combs (pollen, brood)– Healthy hive will take care of them– Abandoned or improperly stored frames
Predators and Pests cont.
• Ants– Placement of hive away from established nest– Vaseline, ashes, diatomaceous earth, cinnamon
• Spiders– Ghost spider predates on field bees
• Earwigs
Predators and Pests cont.
• Wasps, Hornets, Yellow Jackets– Will take over a weak hive– Trap queens in early spring (March)– Can fly in colder temperature– Hang traps near hive
Predators and Pests cont.Mice – restrict opening
Skunks and Raccoons – keep hive off ground, secure hive bodies Badgers – secure hive bodies
Bears – 7’ tall heavy duty electrified fence
Predators and Pests cont.
Domestic livestock– Poultry– Cows, Horses, etc.
Not domesticated!
Predators and PestsThe Not-So-Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
SummaryPests and Predators
In-hiveOut-of-hive
Treatment and/or deterrentIPM – Integrated Pest ManagementHealthy, strong hives