The Manipulation of Bees 249 



of colonies in the woods is interesting and the cutting of a 

 bee tree is an experience which everyone interested in bees 

 should have, but the time consumed is considerably more 

 than the value of the bees and honey justify. It does not 

 pay to build up the apiary in this way if the beekeeper's 

 time is valuable. 



Preventing robbing in the apiary. 



At any time during warm weather, bees are inclined to 

 rob other colonies, if there is no honey-flow. Every precau- 

 tion should be taken to prevent this. Feeding often attracts 

 other bees and, if there are indications of robbing, it should 

 be deferred until late in the day. Honey left where bees 

 can get it or combs left out of the hives during manipulations 

 may at times lead to serious robbing. 



As soon as robbers are noticed, manipulation should be 

 discontinued and the hives should be closed. If serious 

 robbing occurs, the entrances should be contracted and the 

 hive fronts wiped with a cloth moistened with kerosene or 

 carboHc acid. If brush is thrown at the entrances, robbers 

 are less likely to enter. Outdoor feeding to prevent robbing 

 is described in a previous section (p. 242). 



A Avire-cloth cage, five feet square and six feet high, may 

 be used if manipulations are necessary during a time when 

 robbing is probable. This cage should not be closed at the 

 top and bees which fly from the colony under manipulation 

 escape, while robbers will rarely enter. A folding tent or 

 cage made of mosquito netting may also be used. A smaller 

 wire cage closed at the top may be set over a colony that is 

 being robbed. 



If the cause of robbing is suddenly removed, this may 

 produce more excitement than if the robber bees were allowed 

 to complete their work. For example, if a colony is being 

 robbed and is suddenly removed to save it, the robbers 

 turn their attention to other colonies, or if a piece of exposed 

 comb has attracted robbers, its removal may divert them 

 to more serious devastation. 



