UNITING— ROBBING loi 



show a very decided tendency to rob their weaker neigh- 

 bours. Robbing, when once thoroughly started, is most 

 difficult to stop ; therefore prevention is better than cure. 

 A bad case of robbing once experienced is not likely to 

 be soon forgotten. The whole apiary is speedily in an 

 uproar, and with their lapse of honesty the bees seem to 

 lose all other good traits, flying about in all directions 

 and stinging everybody and everything within reach. 



Strong colonies will usually be able to hold their own, 

 but it is well to contract all hive entrances somewhat in 

 the spring and autumn. 



Take great care not to drop any wax, honey, or syrup 

 on or about the hives. "When replenishing feeders, 

 always have a wet sponge handy, and instantly wipe up 

 any spilt syrup. 



Do not at such seasons open hives unless absolutely 

 compelled, or extract honey during the day time. 



When robbing has once set in, contract the entrance 

 of the attacked hive to one bee space, and place on the 

 alighting board, at either side, cloths saturated with 

 crude carbolic. A sheet of glass reared in front of the 

 entrance often effectually baffles intruders. In extreme 

 cases, the hives may be completely covered by throwing 

 over all a sheet saturated with weak carbolic solution. 



Bees never rob when forage is plentiful. 



