I'd read a lot about bees being robbed, especially during autumn when pollen and nectar sources are becoming more and more scarce. I'd read a lot about feeding, that when there is a dearth in food sources for the bees, they are at greater risk of going into the winter and clustering months with low supplies. Since I was suspicious that I'd lost some previous hives to early winter starvation, I decided that it would be in their best interest (and mine) to feed them.
I put the front entrance feeders on on a Sunday afternoon, and by Monday afternoon they were both empty, so I refilled them. When checking on Tuesday afternoon, I found an empty feeder on one of the hives and an absolute frenzy. From observing from afar, things just didn't look right. Honeybees were flying around in rapid circles over and in front of the hive. The calm, leisurely flight patterns in and out of the hive were nonexistent, and when I approached even the sound of the bees flying had a higher pitch to it.
If you watch the videos below, you will see, under the feeder, a cluster of bees that are clearly at odds over the sugar syrup. Bees drop down every few seconds as they are being pushed away. The hive on the left didn't seem to be affected at all, but to be safe I removed both front entrance feeders, battened down the hatches with entrance reducers and covered both hives with wet sheets. Sometimes a strong colony can successfully fight off robbers, but because honeybees fight to the death and die when they sting trying to defend their hive, they could be overpowered by robbers desperate for food. I decided not to take any chances. The sheets will stay on for a couple of days and then I will remove them and hope for the best.
I put the front entrance feeders on on a Sunday afternoon, and by Monday afternoon they were both empty, so I refilled them. When checking on Tuesday afternoon, I found an empty feeder on one of the hives and an absolute frenzy. From observing from afar, things just didn't look right. Honeybees were flying around in rapid circles over and in front of the hive. The calm, leisurely flight patterns in and out of the hive were nonexistent, and when I approached even the sound of the bees flying had a higher pitch to it.
If you watch the videos below, you will see, under the feeder, a cluster of bees that are clearly at odds over the sugar syrup. Bees drop down every few seconds as they are being pushed away. The hive on the left didn't seem to be affected at all, but to be safe I removed both front entrance feeders, battened down the hatches with entrance reducers and covered both hives with wet sheets. Sometimes a strong colony can successfully fight off robbers, but because honeybees fight to the death and die when they sting trying to defend their hive, they could be overpowered by robbers desperate for food. I decided not to take any chances. The sheets will stay on for a couple of days and then I will remove them and hope for the best.
This hive seems to be okay. I'll remove the entrance feeder anyway. Who knows? They may be the ones robbing next door. I'll put separate sheets over each hive to put everyone in 'time out' for a couple of days. Watch the cluster under the feeder. See how some bees are getting pushed off? Also notice the flight patterns of the bees to the left. Frantic, agitated. | Even when bees are feeding normally, they are more relaxed than these ladies appear to be. Hear the warning fly-bys at the end of the video? They're stressed out! You can see a group of bees pushing out a honey bee to the left of the feeder. She's an intruder! |