Hives two nucs without incident. Both being fed at have reduced entrances. Within a few hours, my Italians were robbing my carniolans. It was obvious and frantic but caught early. I closed up the carniolans and threw wet towels on. Should I leave the italian robber have open or shut it too? What are my options for opening up again and when? I just threw in the wooden reducer so ventilation will be an issue. Options?
Use screen to reduce the entrance on both hives. Pull the cover on the Italians so they have to guard their hive...
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesrobbing.htm
Thank you. Screens definitely kept the robbers out but, boy, did they keep trying. A good rain helped a lot too. In fact, during the storm I threw together a robber screen with #8 hardware cloth and 1/2 x2s after studying several online. Super easy. If I put this on tonight, how long should I leave it? I also take it that opening to look inside should probably wait a bit too?
> If I put this on tonight, how long should I leave it?
Until the hive being robbed is really strong again. Like major traffic jam strong, not minor traffic jam strong...
Feeding can cause robbing. June in Denver they are making honey Only feed when you have to.
June in Denver this year is a daily rain-fest. Everything is a month behind because if the crappy weather.
I have screens that I leave on nucs until they get prepped for winter. Once the bees figure them out they have no problem coming and going, but robbing is quite difficult with them in place.