Western honey bee workers can invade and steal honey/nectar from other colonies or sugar/corn syrup from feeders used to deliver syrup to other colonies. This is called "robbing" behavior. Robbing behavior typically involves the collection of nectar and honey, but not pollen or brood.
What is beehive robbing?
Robbing is a situation in which a beehive is attacked by invaders from other hives. The invasion is serious for a bee colony for a number of reasons: A hive defending itself against robbing will fight to the death. This battle can result in the loss of many little lives and even destroy an entire colony. Tragedy!
How do you know hive is robbing?
The Telltale Signs of Robbing
- The number of bees flying around the hive and especially the entrance seems larger than usual.
- The bees flying around the hive seem agitated and/or more aggressive.
- Bees trying to enter the hive through the bottom or the back of the hive.
- Increased commotion around the entrance into the hive.
