Pests and Predators The Not-So-Good, 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 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 – 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 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 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. Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida) Discovered in southern US in 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