We had some robbing issues last week that were taken care of with the installation of robber screens, but we're but not sure how long we should wait before going into the hives to inspect the damage. We'd also been feeding one of the hives before the robbing, but am concerned that resuming feeding may invite robbers back to the area. Any advice?
Thanks!
Go ahead and check them to see what they look like. Leave the robber screens on if you are worried about robbing. Feed them if the hives are light in weight.
Good news will keep and bad news won't go away... but anytime will do, just don't leave them open long or robbing will ensue again...
feeding often times encourages robbing. how you feed and robber screens can somewhat to highly alter this side effect.
I don't do it myself... but just by casual observation the addition of honey bee healthy or lemon grass raises the possibility that robbing will occur.
ps.. robbing always produces capping and bits and pieces of wax that falls to the bottom board. in places where the small hive beetle or wax moth are prevalent the failure to remove this wax debris quickly will invariable lead to other problems.