CHAPTBE XIV. 



ENEMIES OF BEES. 



Bees, like other creatures, have enemies to contend 

 with. Among birds, the most persistent in carrying 

 off bees is the blue-tit, which may be seen to fly down 

 to the apiary and carry off bee after bee. It is sur- 

 prising what a number of bees a single pair of 

 these birds will take in a very short time. Means 

 should, therefore, be resorted to in order to keep down 

 these birds near the apiary. 



The ivax moth, which effects an entrance more 

 particularly into weak hives, lays its eggs on the 

 combs or in the debris. From these eggs issue grubs, 

 which burrow in the combs and consume the wax 

 until they build their cocoons, from which again issue 

 moths. If allowed to gain headway the ravages of 

 the grub will soon destroy a colony. By keeping 

 stocks strong we are more likely to keep out the wax 

 moth, because the bees on guard drive it away. On 

 the quilts should be laid pieces of naphthaline, which 

 will keep away moths and other insects. During the 

 spring and autumn examinations, all debris should be 

 removed, and the combs searched for grubs or cocoons. 



