The NotSoGood the Bad and the Ugly Predators and Pests What We Will Cover Mites Tracheal and Varroa Small Hive Beetle Wax Moths Ants Spiders Earwigs Wasps Hornets Yellow Jackets Mice ID: 593130
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Pests and Predators
The Not-So-Good, the Bad, and the UglySlide2
Predators and Pests
What We Will Cover
Mites: Tracheal and
Varroa
Small Hive BeetleWax MothsAnts, Spiders, EarwigsWasps, Hornets, Yellow Jackets
MiceSkunks, Raccoons, Badgers, BearsDomestic Livestock and Not-So-Domestic Slide3
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 respirationSee bees crawling on ground in front of hiveBiggest problem in Fall decreasing the life span of the Winter beeTreatment:
Menthol and formic acid (Mite-Away II)temperature dependant (50-79 degrees); most effective 60-75 degreescan’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 hiveSlide4
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 visibleDetection: 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)Slide5
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 hiveTreatment: Usually not necessary in this
state Relocate hive Freezing tempsSlide6
Predators and Pests cont.
Wax Moths -- Don’t attack bees directlyLarvae feed on combs (pollen, brood)
Healthy hive will take care of themAbandoned or improperly stored frames Slide7
Predators and Pests cont.
AntsPlacement of hive away from established nestVaseline, ashes, diatomaceous earth, cinnamon
SpidersGhost spider predates on field beesEarwigsSlide8
Predators and Pests cont.
Wasps, Hornets, Yellow JacketsWill take over a weak hiveTrap queens in early spring (March)Can fly in colder temperatureHang traps near hiveSlide9
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 fenceSlide10
Predators and Pests
cont.
Domestic livestock
Poultry
Cows, Horses, etc.
Not domesticated!Slide11
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