ROBBING IN THE APIARY 171 



the robbers, which they join, thus swearing allegiance 

 to a new flag. Others, more loyal, will cling to the old 

 empty comb, cluster there, hopeless and despairing 

 until they die of starvation. 



MAXIMS TO PREVENT ROBBING 



Be sure that the bees are robbing, before applying 

 remedies. 



Keep the colonies strong. 



Keep watch of the hives in early spring and late 

 fall when there is no honey coming in. 



Leave no honey or loose comb open around the 

 apiary under any circumstances. 



If bees are determined to rob when the hives are 

 opened by the operator, it is best to work under a 

 bee tent or after nightfall. 



Robbing demoralises the whole apiary. If the 

 bees are cross, look out for robbers. 



Be very careful in uncapping not to let the bees 

 get a taste of the chyle food, as that makes them very 

 cross and wild to rob. 



Keep Italians. 



Do not let the colony become queenless, as a queen- 

 less colony is legitimate prey for many depredators. 



