Pests and Predators
The Not-So-Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Predators and Pests
What We Will Cover
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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
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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.
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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
state
Relocate hive
Freezing 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 Pests
The Not-So-Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Summary
Pests and Predators
In-hive
Out-of-hive
Treatment and/or deterrent
IPM – Integrated Pest Management
Healthy, strong hives