A murmur of buzzing flies through the air, a family of stinging insects are on the move. Beekeeping pests are becoming an increasingly unwelcome presence throughout much of the world, causing havoc in hives and complicating the lives of beekeepers. In this article, we’ll explore the different pests that can threaten bees and their keepers, and how best to contain them. Read on to discover the unwelcome visitors that are wreaking havoc on beekeeping operations.
1. What Are Unwelcome Visitors in Beekeeping?
Beekeeping can be a rewarding experience in terms of the honey you can collect, but it also requires diligent attention to keep an apiary healthy. Unwelcome visitors often pose a threat to beekeeping operations, and it is important to know what they are and how to manage them.
Honey Badgers
Honey badgers are one of the most formidable unwelcome visitors that beekeepers may find. These small but powerful creatures can inflict serious damage to an apiary. Honey badgers have a unique ability to dig out the walls of a beehive and quickly eat their way through any bees that protect it. To prevent honey badgers from targeting a hive, beekeepers should install properly weighted heavy-duty entrances at the bottom of the hives and place the entrance away from open ground.
Wasps and Hornets
Wasps and hornets are two more unwelcome visitors that beekeepers must contend with. Wasps are small and don’t normally cause much damage on their own, but they can become a nuisance when they gather in large numbers and put stress on a hive. Hornets are much larger and more aggressive and can easily overrun a hive in a short period of time. Ways to manage wasps and hornets include introducing natural predators like dragonflies or birds, or creating traps out of one-way mesh material.
Large Birds
Large birds like hawks and owls can often be spotted hovering around bee hives, looking for an easy meal. To protect hives, beekeepers may want to make sure there is plenty of high vegetation surrounding the hives – this will offer protection to the hives from birds of prey. Covers, nets, or other materials can also provide an additional layer of protection.
2. Taking Upbee-sy Measures to Combat Pests
When it comes to , there are a few steps that are worth considering in order to make sure your home or business stays protected. Here are some ideas on how to control pests without resorting to chemical pesticides:
- Keep an eye out for living pests or signs of pests, such as droppings, damage to plants, and nests
- Practice integrated pest management (IPM) which combines natural and chemical methods of pest control
- Regularly inspect and clean areas where pests may be hiding
- Fix any plumbing problems that could attract pests such as leaky pipes
Natural Methods
Many natural methods may be effective when it comes to controlling certain pests, such as ants and mosquitoes. One example is to use certain plants, such as lavender and peppermint, which can act as a natural repellent to combat pests. You can also sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) around your home or garden as a barrier for insects.
Physical Barriers
Creating a physical barrier between you and pests can be an effective preventative measure. This could include using window screens, caulking or sealants to block cracks and crevices, and removing any piles of debris that might offer a home to pests.
3. Identifying the Bee Menaces
When it comes to identifying potential threats to our bee population, it’s important to know what to look out for. Some of the most common bee menaces are as follows:
- Invasive species
- Diseases
- Pesticide poisoning
- Habitat loss
Invasive species are animals or plants that have been introduced into an area, either accidentally or deliberately, and can do damage to native bee populations. Common invasive species that can cause large-scale destruction are invasive ants, parasitic mites, and hive beetles.
Diseases are also a major threat to bee populations worldwide. These are caused by a multitude of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens which can drastically reduce the number of bees in an area. Common diseases that can affect bees include European foulbrood, American foulbrood, nosemosis, and stonebrood.
Pesticide poisoning is a common yet serious threat to bee populations. Pesticides can be toxic to bees, killing them and costing beekeepers precious honey bees. As some chemicals are more toxic to bees than others, it’s important to be aware of which type of pesticide is used in your area.
Habitat loss is another major threat to bees. This can occur as a result of deforestation, urbanization, industrialization, or agricultural development. As bees require a healthy, diverse habitat to survive, it’s important to preserve these areas in order to protect bee populations.
4. Keeping Flies at Bay
Natural Repellents
Summer brings along a whole suite of problems, but pesky flies constantly buzzing around your home and outdoor area don’t need to be one of them. Instead of investing in chemical repellents, why not use natural remedies? These household items can help keep flies away from your environment and provide a gentle but effective relief from the irritation:
- Hang bunches of herbs, such as basil, lavender, mint, thyme and sage near windows and doors
- Create a DIY spray by filling a spritz bottle with water and about 15 drops of eucalyptus or lemongrass essential oils
- Garlic is a great natural repellent that helps protect your space
- Dried chilli flakes spread between the edges of your door frames are great at keeping flies away
Building a Fly Trap
If herbs and essential oils aren’t enough to drive these insects away, then consider making your own fly trap. This is a simple but effective way of capturing and trapping them. All you need is a jar or plastic bottle and a few other household items. Here’s how to construct a basic fly trap that you can use all season long.
- Cut the bottle in half and turn the top half upside down inside the lower half
- Add a mixture of water and sugar at the bottom of the bottle
- Cover the top of the bottle with a piece of plastic
- Secure the plastic with a rubber band
- Poke a few holes into the plastic sheet
The flies enter the bottle through the holes and they can’t get out. Eventually, they die in the sugar-water mixture. Change the water every few days to keep the flies away.
5. Staving Off Moth Invaders
Moths can be a nuisance in the home. In order to keep moths away, there are some steps you can take:
- Remove food sources: Keep food in sealed or airtight containers, which will make it harder for moths to access their food source. When cleaning, be sure to vacuum hard-to-reach areas where moths may be nesting or hiding. Also, inspect food containers for any signs of moths.
- Check entrance points: Check your windows, doors, and other entrance points for any gaps where moths might be getting in from the outside. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal any potential entry points.
- Inspect clothing and fabrics: Moths are attracted to fabric and clothes, so inspect your closet and other garments for any signs of holes or damage caused by moths. If your clothing is damaged, be sure to get it repaired or replaced right away.
Defensive measures like these may help reduce the potential for moth infestation in your home. You can also use essential oils or an ultrasonic device to repel moths. Essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or clove, can be sprayed in areas where you think moths may be lurking or nesting. If you’re using an ultrasonic device, be sure to keep it out of reach of pets and children, as the sound waves can be irritating to them.
Finally, contact a professional pest control service if your efforts are not successful in getting rid of the moths. Professional pest control services can utilize specialized tools and techniques to rid your home of moths. Make sure that you look up reviews and compare prices before hiring a service, to ensure that you get the most effective service for the best price.
6. Safeguarding Against Wasps
Wasps can be an annoying, often dangerous, surprise if left unchecked. Fortunately, preventing them from building nests and stinging is relatively easy.
To safeguard against wasps, it’s important to establish a few safeguards around the home. Here are five effective tactics to consider when trying to keep wasps away:
- Keep lids on all trash cans and other sources of food.
- Discourage wasps from nesting by filling in any cracks or crevices, such as near windows or doors.
- Mow and trim your lawn regularly to lower the chance of wasps nesting.
- Clean up spilled drinks on the lawn, patios and porches.
- Hang fake wasp nests around the property.
If a wasp nest does get established and you find yourself seeking shelter from wasps, there are steps you can take. First things first, stay calm – sudden movements and loud noises can anger wasps and be more likely to cause a sting. Step away slowly and carefully, maintaining a safe distance between you and the nest until you can no longer sense their presence.
7. Preparing Your Hives Against Mites
Be prepared to do what it takes to protect your hives from mites. These pests can ruin your bees’ honey-making efforts, as well as dilute the flavour of your honey. Here are some steps to help keep your hives safe:
- Clean & Monitor: Regularly inspect your hives and remove any mites you find. This will help you keep an eye on the threat level and take appropriate action.
- Treatments: Some localized treatments may be necessary when you find mites. Use a pesticide that is effective against mites on your bees and in the hive.
- Feeding: Make sure your bees have a plentiful supply of food and water. A well-stocked hive will be better prepared to fight off infestations.
- Ventilation: Hives with adequate ventilation discourage mites from infesting. Enhance ventilation in the hive to reduce the mite population.
As you can see, mite prevention is an ongoing process. Regular treatments and monitoring are necessary steps to keep your bees healthy. Allowing your bees to get plenty of rest and recuperate from their daily activities will also help them ward off mites.
Be vigilant in your mite prevention efforts, and your hives will be well-guarded against pests.
8. Outsmarting Rodents in Your Beekeeping Domain
Bees are not the only pests in a beekeeper’s domain, rodents being one of the most common. They flock in search of the sweet nectar in your hives and can cause serious damage by destroying hives and putting your bees at risk. They are small, agile and clever, so it is a difficult challenge to outsmart them. Here are a few ideas you can use to deter them from your beekeeping domain:
- Keep a tidy beekeeping domain. Rodents are more likely to come to an area with piles of clutter and debris. Make sure your area is well maintained and remove any potential hiding places for rodents.
- Put your beehives up on legs. Rodents may not be able to reach the hives if they are higher up. A good height would be 30 cm off the ground. However, you should check regularly for signs of tunnels beneath the hives.
- Use deterrents. If you have an ongoing rodent problem, try placing deterrents around the beehives such as hanging a string of bells, using humane traps and setting up an ultrasonic pest repeller. You could also try using natural deterrents such as hot pepper and cayenne, crushed red chili pepper and garlic, all placed around your hives.
- Put fencing around your beekeeping domain. A fence prevents rodents from entering and can be constructed using chicken wire, hardware cloth or a wolf guard. Make sure the fence is firmly buried in the ground and that the mesh is small enough to prevent rodents from squeezing through.
By taking these steps and remaining vigilant and alert to any signs of rodents around your beehives, you can be sure to keep your beekeeping domain rodent-free.
Remember to always check and inspect your hives regularly for any signs of damage. By quickly taking action, you can minimize the possibility of an infestation and protect your bees.
There’s no doubt that beekeeping pests can be unwelcome and unpleasant, but with these tips and tricks, you should be able to still enjoy the spoils of successful beekeeping. With vigilance and maintenance, you can keep your hives clear of the uninvited guests – you just need to be one step ahead of these unwelcome visitors!
