Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: josbees on August 29, 2008, 05:37:38 PM

Title: Possible Robbers? From a NewBee
Post by: josbees on August 29, 2008, 05:37:38 PM
Was sitting outside just watching the hive this afternoon.  Suddenly realized that most of the bees going in and out are bigger than my little Italians.  I thought at first they were drones, but now I'm not so sure.  They are about Drone size, but they have a set of back legs longer than the front that kind of drag behind them.  Not Wasps.  Honey Bee color.  Any ideas who they might be?

I don't actually know what to expect from a robbing situation.....
Title: Re: Possible Robbers? From a NewBee
Post by: Bill W. on August 29, 2008, 06:34:48 PM
Low hanging legs are a pretty common feature of wasps, not so much of honey bees.

This is one of those cases where a picture would be worth a thousand words.
Title: Re: Possible Robbers? From a NewBee
Post by: EasternShore on August 29, 2008, 07:03:20 PM
Even if your not sure, REDUCE HIVE ENTRANCE AT ONCE!!! 2-3 inches for a healthy 2 deep hive unless it's really hot.

Your girls should be able to protect it if you do. Do not open feed and if your useing boardmans stop for a bit if possible.
Good luck...
Mark
PS: Search Robbing for more info....
Title: Re: Possible Robbers? From a NewBee
Post by: rast on August 29, 2008, 10:00:28 PM
 Drones are a lot noisier than field bees when theycome in also.