# Bees robbing my hive **URL:** \ **Category:** Uncategorized\ **Created:** [January 20, 2020, 1:10pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411 "2020-01-20T13:10:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Zzz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/zzz/32/20813_2.png) [@Zzz](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Zzz)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2020, 9:41am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/21 "2020-01-21T09:41:06Z")
> [@JeffH](#): > > You can move the hive away if you have somewhere to move it to. That is a luxury I don’t have Jeff. I do have a ‘better’ location where my original hive was but I found it poisoned last year because it was visible from street level. That’s why I have these two new ones. I’m starting again from scratch. ---
**Author:** ![JeffH](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/jeffh/32/7192_2.png) [@JeffH](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/JeffH)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2020, 8:24pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/22 "2020-01-21T20:24:54Z")
That’s pretty crook that your hive got poisoned. Let’s hope that the robbing stops at your present location. cheers ---
**Author:** ![Zzz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/zzz/32/20813_2.png) [@Zzz](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Zzz)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2020, 9:19pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/23 "2020-01-21T21:19:27Z")
Very devastating to see a mat of thousands of dead bees under the hive Jeff. I’m still quite sore about the event to be honest. If I see that the hive is not thriving because they got overwhelmed by robbing, would it be a good idea to combine the two hives I have to give them the best chance for winter? If that’s the case when is the best time to do it please? ---
**Author:** ![Peter48](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/peter48/32/14625_2.png) [@Peter48](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Peter48)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2020, 9:32pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/24 "2020-01-21T21:32:17Z")
Sorry I didn’t back track to realize the colony is small and building, my advise was for a ‘normal’ colony so ignore what I have said. Cheers ---
**Author:** ![Peter48](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/peter48/32/14625_2.png) [@Peter48](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Peter48)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2020, 9:39pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/25 "2020-01-21T21:39:49Z")
That is really sad that some humans think that the world would be a better place without bees. There are still some that think the world is flat and that the climate isn’t changing. Probably too late now but a letter to the editor in your local paper explaining the benefit of bees in the environment might have been a positive. Cheers ---
**Author:** ![Peter48](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/peter48/32/14625_2.png) [@Peter48](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Peter48)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2020, 9:58pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/26 "2020-01-21T21:58:11Z")
Feeding syrup certainly triggers the colony to get the queen doing her thing and boost the colony. In a dearth some will be eaten straight away and the surplus will go into cells but I don’t know or even read if the bees will cap it or not. A good thought provoking question. Cheers ---
**Author:** ![JeffH](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/jeffh/32/7192_2.png) [@JeffH](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/JeffH)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2020, 11:23pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/27 "2020-01-21T23:23:04Z")
We’re still only half way through summer. A local mentor or information from a local bee club would be a good guide as to how severe your winters get. Me, I would try to save that colony. With the use of a reduced entrance as well as a robbing screen in conjunction with feeding (if needed), you can save that colony. Don’t be remotely concerned about the bees storing & capping the sugar syrup. If they need it, they’ll use it their every day activities while building. ---
**Author:** ![Zzz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/zzz/32/20813_2.png) [@Zzz](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Zzz)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2020, 11:51pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/28 "2020-01-21T23:51:14Z")
Cheers. I had a look at 5am and the melee was on again - bees at each others’ throats. I saw robbing before, but not as severe as I’m seeing on this hive. I don’t think I can afford to wait any longer to make a robbing screen. I have to organise a day off and do it before the weekend. I was hoping the reduced entrance will be enough. I obviously underestimated the severity of robbing. ---
**Author:** ![Zzz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/zzz/32/20813_2.png) [@Zzz](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Zzz)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2020, 12:53am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/29 "2020-01-22T00:53:36Z")
> [@Peter48](#): > > That is really sad that some humans think that the world would be a better place without bees. There are still some that think the world is flat and that the climate isn’t changing. I absolutely agree with you there Peter. I do however see bees here as an agricultural aide. We have a lot of native pollinators, insects, birds and mammals, that unfortunately get overlooked and many think that it’s only the imported honey bee that does all the work. **“some that think the world is flat”** A few weeks ago I had a guy, in his 50s, to fix my retic. I couldn’t believe my ears when he tried to argue with me that he’s convinced the earth is flat. He said he saw some videos on YouTube. I fired him right away, of course I couldn’t trust his judgment to fix anything on my property. I never knew that flat earthers are present in Australia too, and that I will ever meet one in the flesh. Writing a letter about bees to the editor is pretty useless these days Peter. It will not change anyone’s opinion either way. Whoever killed my bees saw my hive as a problem, and that they will come and sting them mercilessly. Every itch they’ll have they will blame it on my bees, no matter what. ---
**Author:** ![Peter48](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/peter48/32/14625_2.png) [@Peter48](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Peter48)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2020, 1:57am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/30 "2020-01-22T01:57:32Z")
Just a thought, if you can find the hive that is doing the robbing feeding it might reduce their idea of robbing. I have about 30 hives in my apiary and so far robbing hasn’t been an issue. Maybe because all the hives are about equal in numbers and if a hive is low on nectar I’m happy to internally feed it. My thinking is that robbing is happening their may be a dearth in nectar happening. I have heard that a hive that gets a mind-set of robbing can be really hard to stop them. Good luck with the robbing screen, it would be well worth trying it. Cheers ---
**Author:** ![JeffH](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/jeffh/32/7192_2.png) [@JeffH](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/JeffH)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2020, 6:44am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/31 "2020-01-22T06:44:27Z")
Apparently that flat earther is not alone. From what I read, 2% of Americans believe the earth is flat. That’s about 6.5 million & the number is growing. I wonder what they think is happening when they use a GPS in their cars. I wonder what’s worse: people thinking the earth is flat or people who waste good time & money trying to convince them that it’s not. ---
**Author:** ![Zzz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/zzz/32/20813_2.png) [@Zzz](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Zzz)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2020, 6:53am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/32 "2020-01-22T06:53:14Z")
> [@JeffH](#): > > I wonder what’s worse: people thinking the earth is flat or people who waste good time & money trying to convince them that it’s not. Well, he might end up the Minister of Science one day. Anyhooo, I would like to advice that I have all the materials to make the robbing screen. Is there an ideal height for it to work? My understanding is that they allow the smell of the honey to go through the mesh and confuse the robbers, while the hive inhabitants find their way in and out. ---
**Author:** ![fffffred](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/71c47a/32.png) [@fffffred](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/fffffred)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2020, 8:14am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/33 "2020-01-22T08:14:53Z")
> [@Zzz](#): > > Is there an ideal height for it to work? Rusty has referenced the following product, so it may give you a starting point: > **[Ultimate Robbing Screen \[URS\]](https://www.blueskybeesupply.com/ultimate-robbing-screen-urs/)** > > beekeeping supplies, Midwest, honey harvesting Here’s the article from Rusty: > **[The undervalued robbing screen: the best quality hive defense](https://www.honeybeesuite.com/the-undervalued-robbing-screen/)** > > The robbing screen is an undervalued beekeeping tool. Not only can it deflect robbing honey bees and wasps, it can also limit the danger of drifting bees. ---
**Author:** ![Zzz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/zzz/32/20813_2.png) [@Zzz](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Zzz)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2020, 8:48am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/34 "2020-01-22T08:48:16Z")
Cheers. That one is 10.8cm high, so wasn’t going to too far making it 12cm high. I’m off to the shed right now. ---
**Author:** ![fffffred](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/71c47a/32.png) [@fffffred](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/fffffred)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2020, 1:36pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/35 "2020-01-22T13:36:31Z")
You’re closer than you think… 4.5inch is approx 11.4cm… or have I missed something… 🤪 ---
**Author:** ![Zzz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/zzz/32/20813_2.png) [@Zzz](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Zzz)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2020, 11:18pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/36 "2020-01-22T23:18:20Z")
> [@fffffred](#): > > or have I missed something Haha!! No you did not. I did, I was sloppy with my maths. Must be my dyslexia…🤓 Ok, now that a robbing screen of sorts is on, the next question is: When will I take it off? When I see there is no more fighting? Until the colony gets stronger? After a couple of weeks? ---
**Author:** ![Dawn\_SD](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/dawn_sd/32/15954_2.png) [@Dawn\_SD](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Dawn_SD)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2020, 11:46pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/37 "2020-01-22T23:46:20Z")
> [@Zzz](#): > > When will I take it off? I would leave it on unless you see bearding or excessive congestion of bee numbers around the entrance. Even leave it on through the winter if you like, I do. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Anon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/47e85d/32.png) [@Anon](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Anon)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2020, 11:52pm UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/38 "2020-01-22T23:52:59Z")
Reduce the entrance and stop feeding them until the robbing ceases. Obtain and place your robbing screens and then resume feeding if you think it’s necessary. I’ve found feeding encourages robbing. ---
**Author:** ![Zzz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/zzz/32/20813_2.png) [@Zzz](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Zzz)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2020, 12:18am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/39 "2020-01-23T00:18:27Z")
Thanks Dawn, I’ll keep an eye on it. It will make a great mouse guard too. > [@Anon](#): > > stop feeding That was going to be my next enquiry. I was suspecting that robbing increased when I switched from inverted jars, to open trays of syrup. I jumped from 700ml a week, to 1.5L - per day!! I went trough a couple of months of dearth here, but I now have plenty of native bush in flower around me. I just licked a flower and tasted sweet, I assume that is the taste of nectar, not pollen. The bees are bringing in bucket loads of pollen. Till last weekend when I had my recent inspection, the bees had no honey reserves in the comb at all. Should I just stop feeding altogether and let them work for their rent? Let’s face it, if someone was providing me with an endless supply of chocolate everyday in the attic, I won’t go shopping for food. ---
**Author:** ![Anon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/47e85d/32.png) [@Anon](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Anon)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2020, 12:21am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411/40 "2020-01-23T00:21:44Z")
It’s a tough call because I don’t know your hive. > [@Zzz](#): > > Should I just stop feeding altogether and let them work for their rent [Previous page](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/bees-robbing-my-hive/24411.md?page=3)