{"id":3605,"date":"2023-08-17T04:39:07","date_gmt":"2023-08-16T20:39:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/?p=3605"},"modified":"2023-09-19T20:10:28","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T12:10:28","slug":"what-are-robber-bees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-robber-bees\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Robber Bees?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Robber bees are regular honeybees that engage in robbing behavior. They invade and steal honey from weaker hives to ensure their survival.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll learn more about bee robbers and bee robbing as we discuss the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>What is bee robbing?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why does bee robbing happen?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When does bee robbing happen?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How do robber bees rob?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to identify robber bees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to stop and prevent robber bees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/what-are-robber-bees-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"what are robber bees\" class=\"wp-image-3610\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/what-are-robber-bees-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/what-are-robber-bees-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/what-are-robber-bees-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/what-are-robber-bees.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-robber-bees\/#What_is_Bee_Robbing\" title=\"What is Bee Robbing?\">What is Bee Robbing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-robber-bees\/#Why_Does_Bee_Robbing_Happen\" title=\"Why Does Bee Robbing Happen?\">Why Does Bee Robbing Happen?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-robber-bees\/#When_Does_Bee_Robbing_Occur\" title=\"When Does Bee Robbing Occur?\">When Does Bee Robbing Occur?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-robber-bees\/#How_Do_Robber_Bees_Rob\" title=\"How Do Robber Bees Rob?\">How Do Robber Bees Rob?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-robber-bees\/#Do_Robber_Bees_Hurt_Other_Bees_While_Robbing\" title=\"Do Robber Bees Hurt Other Bees While Robbing?\">Do Robber Bees Hurt Other Bees While Robbing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-robber-bees\/#How_Much_Damage_Can_a_Robber_Bee_Hive_Robbing_Cause\" title=\"How Much Damage Can a Robber Bee Hive Robbing Cause?\">How Much Damage Can a Robber Bee Hive Robbing Cause?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-robber-bees\/#How_to_Identify_Robber_Bees\" title=\"How to Identify Robber Bees\">How to Identify Robber Bees<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-robber-bees\/#What_to_Do_if_Bee_Robbing_is_Occurring_at_Your_Hive\" title=\"What to Do if Bee Robbing is Occurring at Your Hive\">What to Do if Bee Robbing is Occurring at Your Hive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-robber-bees\/#How_to_Prevent_Bee_Robbing\" title=\"How to Prevent Bee Robbing\">How to Prevent Bee Robbing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/what-are-robber-bees\/#Summary_What_are_Robber_Bees\" title=\"Summary: What are Robber Bees?\">Summary: What are Robber Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Bee_Robbing\"><\/span>What is Bee Robbing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bee robbing refers to the act of bees invading and stealing resources from another hive.<\/strong> It&#8217;s done by the aforementioned robber bees. These bees overpower weak hives and steal their honey. They fight resident bees, fill their honey stomachs with the loot, and head home. [<a href=\"https:\/\/edis.ifas.ufl.edu\/publication\/IN1064\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Robbing Behavior in Honey Bees\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pJhRlDxIzWY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Does_Bee_Robbing_Happen\"><\/span>Why Does Bee Robbing Happen?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bee robbing is a result of <strong>competition over resources<\/strong>. Honeybees are opportunistic foragers. They take all the food they can from wherever they can get them. Other hives are a treasure trove of food and other resources to them. Robbing these hives is <strong>a matter of survival<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Does_Bee_Robbing_Occur\"><\/span>When Does Bee Robbing Occur?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bee robbing tends to occur during times of scarcity. This is usually <strong>around early spring or fall when there\u2019s nectar dearth<\/strong> or absence of nectar. During these times, bees can take flight and forage yet there are no blossoms to collect nectar from. Hence, they rob other hives for honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With all that said, bee <strong>robbing can occur anytime<\/strong>. Weak hives may be robbed and preyed on throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_Robber_Bees_Rob\"><\/span>How Do Robber Bees Rob?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Robber bees start by <strong>scouting<\/strong> out hives through the smell of honey and pheromones. When they find their target, they <strong>swarm<\/strong> to it to find entry points. By doing so, they elicit a response from the resident bees that try to defend the hive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fights then ensue. Robber bees employ aggressive tactics such as <strong>biting and stinging<\/strong> to gain entry to the hive. Once inside, they quickly locate and steal the honey. They <strong>fill their honey stomachs<\/strong> and <strong>slowly make their way back home<\/strong> to store their newly acquired honey.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_Robber_Bees_Hurt_Other_Bees_While_Robbing\"><\/span>Do Robber Bees Hurt Other Bees While Robbing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, they do hurt other bees in the process. As mentioned, robbing leads to fights as resident bees try to defend their property. These fights then result in <strong>physical injuries and even the death of some individuals<\/strong>. In fact, dead bees around the hive entrance are one of the indicators of bee robbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Robbers may also sometimes kill the queen bee. This can lead to the collapse of the colony as only queens can produce offspring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Damage_Can_a_Robber_Bee_Hive_Robbing_Cause\"><\/span>How Much Damage Can a Robber Bee Hive Robbing Cause?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Robber bees can cause fatal damage. Aside from physical harm, they can also <strong>transmit parasites and diseases<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, infected robbers may transfer <strong>Varroa mites<\/strong> to other colonies. These mites are notorious parasites that weaken and kill honey bee colonies. They transmit viruses that lead to diseases like chronic bee paralysis. They, along with other parasites are one of the leading factors of bee decline. See this article to learn about <a href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/are-bees-endangered\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3557\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bee decline and why bees are endangered<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, robber bees can further weaken already weak hives. They will <strong>continue to rob a source until it is totally depleted<\/strong>. Without any resources, these hives will eventually collapse and die out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Identify_Robber_Bees\"><\/span>How to Identify Robber Bees<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Identify Honey Bee Hive Robbing\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fZdQLR9ZHgU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Robber bees share the same physical features as their victims. After all, they are honey bees as well. Thus, to identify them, you&#8217;ll have to look at behavior instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Here are common signs of robber bees and bee robbing:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>A high number of bees flying around and actively scouting the hive or apiary. They\u2019ll be examining cracks and seams for possible entry points.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Bees fighting and wrestling around the hive entrance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>A number of dead bees in front of the hive or around the hive entrance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Presence of wasps that are attracted to dead bees and honey.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Noisier hive due to heightened activity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Wax comb and debris under the hive or colony.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Bees that appear shiny and black due to hair loss from fighting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Robber bees will sway side to side as they wait for their chance to enter the hive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Robber bees don\u2019t have pollen on their legs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Do_if_Bee_Robbing_is_Occurring_at_Your_Hive\"><\/span>What to Do if Bee Robbing is Occurring at Your Hive<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s hard to stop robber bees when they get going. That said, there are a few things you can try to help your hive. They are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Eliminate the stimuli.<\/strong> Remove easy-to-access honey and sugary substances so as to not attract robbers. Cover exposed honey and syrups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>You can also <strong>use strong-smelling compounds<\/strong>. These compounds mask the smell of the beehive and confuse robber bees. Examples include Vicks Vaporub, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. Just keep in mind that these affect resident bees as well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Close colonies and plug openings<\/strong> in vulnerable hives. You can, for example, use grass to reduce openings while allowing for airflow. Doing so also makes it easier for guard bees to defend the colony.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>For intense robbing, <strong>close off entrances completely<\/strong> using a robbing screen or hardware cloth. Keep the hive closed for a few days until the robbers give up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>If all else fails,<strong> relocate the affected hives.<\/strong> Keep them somewhere else until they regain their strength.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You may <strong>use a smoker<\/strong> while trying out these methods. While smoking isn\u2019t effective in stopping robbers, it can serve as a temporary deterrent and keeps them at bay while you work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Prevent_Bee_Robbing\"><\/span>How to Prevent Bee Robbing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As with many things, prevention is better than cure. It\u2019s easier to prevent bee robbing than it is to stop it. To do so, you essentially follow the same steps as before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019d want to <strong>keep things clean<\/strong>. Clean or cover up any spilled honey to prevent other bees from noticing. Again, honey can attract other bees and lead robbers straight to the hive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019d also want to <strong>cover up any cracks or holes<\/strong> in the hive. You can also make use of security add-ons like entrance reducers and screens. This helps prevent robbers and other unwanted visitors from entering the hive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you maintain different colonies, make sure to keep them at <strong>uniform strength<\/strong>. Otherwise, you\u2019d want to move weaker colonies to a different location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary_What_are_Robber_Bees\"><\/span>Summary: What are Robber Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To summarize, robber bees are honeybees that engage in robbing. They steal honey and resources from weaker hives, particularly during nectar dearth. They can cause significant damage and leave their victims good as dead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hence, it\u2019s important that you keep these robbers in check if you want to keep your hives healthy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Robber bees are regular honeybees that engage in robbing behavior. They invade and steal honey from weaker hives to ensure their survival. In this article, we\u2019ll learn more about bee robbers and bee robbing as we discuss the following: What is Bee Robbing? Bee robbing refers to the act of bees invading and stealing resources&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3610,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3605"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3605"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3605\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3678,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3605\/revisions\/3678"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3610"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3605"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3605"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3605"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}