top of page
Search

Five Main Pest Threats to a Bee Colony :

ree

Five Main Pest Threats to a Bee Colony.


ree

  1. Varroa destructor mites

Parasitic mites that weaken bees by feeding on their fat bodies and spreading deadly viruses. Varroa destructor is one of the most destructive pests to honeybee colonies worldwide. These tiny reddish-brown mites attach themselves to both adult bees and developing broods, feeding on their fat bodies. Unlike previous assumptions that they fed on bee blood (hemolymph), it's now understood that Varroa mites extract fat—critical to bees' immunity, detoxification, and energy storage. As they feed, they also transmit deadly viruses such as Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) and Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABVP), which further compromise the colony.


A Varroa infestation can go unnoticed in early stages, but as mite populations grow, they weaken the colony significantly, leading to declining brood, increased disease susceptibility, and ultimately, colony collapse. Monitoring and control are essential. Beekeepers must regularly inspect for mites using sticky boards, alcohol washes, or sugar rolls and implement integrated pest management strategies. These may include screened bottom boards, drone brood removal (as varroa prefer drone brood cells), organic treatments like oxalic or formic acid, and resistant bee strains. Left unmanaged, Varroa mites can wipe out even strong colonies within a season.


ree
ree

  1. Small Hive Beetles (Aethina tumida)

The small hive beetle (SHB), native to sub-Saharan Africa, has become an invasive pest in many beekeeping regions, including the Americas and Australia. These beetles infiltrate hives, where they lay eggs in crevices and hive corners. Once hatched, the larvae tunnel through the comb, consuming honey, pollen, and bee brood. As they move, they defecate in the honey, causing fermentation and rendering it unfit for consumption.


While strong colonies can often defend themselves against small hive beetles, weak or stressed colonies are highly vulnerable. SHB infestations lead to slimy, foul-smelling hives and may result in the bees absconding entirely. Beekeepers can manage infestations with beetle traps, good hive hygiene, maintaining strong colonies, and keeping unused equipment stored securely. In some areas, soil treatments around the apiary are used to kill SHB larvae as they pupate. Timely intervention is crucial to prevent hive failure.

ree
ree

  1. Wax Moths (Galleria mellonella & Achroia grisella)

Wax moths are opportunistic pests that target weak colonies or unprotected stored comb. There are two main species: the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) and the lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella). Adult moths lay eggs in unprotected combs, and the emerging larvae burrow through wax, pollen, and brood comb, destroying hive structure and contaminating it with webbing and feces.


While a healthy colony usually guards against wax moths, a struggling or queen less hive may quickly become overrun. Stored frames are also especially at risk. Severe infestations result in collapsed combs, dead brood, and unusable equipment. To control wax moths, beekeepers should store combs in cool, well-ventilated areas, use moth traps, or freeze frames between seasons. Periodic hive inspections help detect early signs, allowing corrective action before the damage becomes extensive.


  1. Tropilaelaps Mites

Tropilaelaps mites, primarily found in Asia, are parasitic mites similar to Varroa but reproduce more quickly and cause even more rapid hive decline. These mites enter brood cells before capping and feed on developing larvae, causing deformities, stunted growth, and death. Unlike Varroa, Tropilaelaps mites cannot survive long on adult bees, but their fast-breeding cycle allows their population to surge rapidly.


Signs of infestation include scattered brood patterns, deformed emerging bees, and declining colony strength. Detection is more difficult because the mites spend less time on adult bees. Management is challenging and requires frequent brood interruption, chemical treatments, or biotechnical methods. Currently, Tropilaelaps is a serious threat mainly in Asia, but its potential spread is a concern for global beekeeping.


  1. Ant Infestations

Ants can pose a persistent nuisance to beehives, especially in warmer climates. Species like Argentine ants and sugar ants invade hives to steal honey and pollen. While they don’t attack adult bees directly, their presence disturbs the colony, especially if the infestation is large. They may also prey on broods or contaminate combs with debris.


Colonies placed on the ground or near vegetation are more vulnerable. Ant infestations can stress bees, cause reduced productivity, and even lead to absconding in extreme cases. Prevention includes placing hives on stands with moats or barriers, maintaining clean surroundings, and applying non-toxic deterrents like cinnamon or diatomaceous earth. Regular monitoring and environmental management are key to keeping ant populations under control around the apiary.



Five Non-Pest-Related Threats to a Bee Colony:

  1. Pesticide exposure. Contact with neonicotinoids or other chemicals can kill foragers or impair navigation and memory.

  2. Poor nutrition/lack of forage, Limited access to diverse flowering plant,s weakens bee health and immunity.

  3. Disease (e.g., Nosema, American Foulbrood). Fungal and bacterial infections can devastate colonies if left untreated.

  4. Extreme weather and climate change: Heatwaves, drought, and unseasonal cold snaps affect bee activity and food availability.

  5. Queen failure or absence: A poorly mated or aging queen leads to declining brood, hive stress, and eventual collapse.


Major pests for Beehives


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page