244 



ENEMIES OF BEES. 



any part of the hive warm enough to set her whole brood 

 at work at once, and in three weeks all may be destroyed.* 

 This, and the fact that more moths exist now than before, 

 may account for the greater number of stocks destroyed 

 at this season. Yet, it is considered extremely bad man- 

 agement to allow honey or combs to be devoured by this 

 disgustmg creature. It is necessary to know the condition 

 of the stocks to prevent their getting the start. These 

 duties should be fully considered before we take the re- 

 sponsibility of the care of bees. 



The only time when we can rest and feel safe is when we 

 know that all our stocks are full of bees. Even the moth- 

 proof hive containing combs will be scented out by the 

 moth when there are no bees to guard it. An argument 

 to show that a moth can go where a bee can, is unneces- 

 sary, and a little observation will prove that her eggs 

 sometimes go where she is not allowed. 



KEMEDIES. 



But as we cannot always have our bees in proper condi- 

 tion, it is well to adopt some of the means recommended 

 to diminish the number of moths. In July and August it 

 is a good plan to put a few pieces of old dry combs near 

 the hives, in a box or other place, as a decoy, where the 

 moth may have access. She will deposit a great many of 

 her eggs here, instead of in the hive, and they can be 

 easily destroyed. Make it a rule to destroy all the worms 

 that can be found at any time, particularly in spring ; like- 

 wise, all cocoons. A great many worms can be enticed to 

 web up under a trap of elder, when it is an easy matter to 

 dispatch them. Destroy all the moths that are seen about 

 the hive. They are veiy much like the flea, " when you 

 put your finger on him, he is not there;" a careful move, 

 must be made, else she darts away. Probably the most 



Worms creale niU(;h ^^a^lnth of themselves. 



