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 
carbolic 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 wire-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. 
