Ants
Many types of ants are known to affect honey bee colonies, by entering the hive and removing food and brood. [1] In general, the bees are able to defend their hive entrance against ant attacks, but if the colony is weakend, or the particular ant species is known to act aggressive, ants can severily impact the colony. [2] To avoid an infestation with ants, Crane (1990) suggests to clean vegetation near the bee hives, use ant-proofed hive stands (long legs, that stand in shallow containers filled with oil, or diesel) and the use of pesticides. [3]
Ethiopia: Ants are present and have a severe impact on weakened colonies (especially in honey bee hives with poor hive management). [4] [5] [6] A study conducted by Tolera & Dejene (2014) reveiled, that ants are one of the most threatening pests among the Jimma Zone. [7] In southeast Ethiopia ants belong to the most severe pests in beekeeping. [8]
Indonesia: There is a lack of data regarding the severity of ant-attacks on honey bee colonies in Indonesia, but Crane (1990) mentioned, that ants and their impact on honey bee colonies are one of the most widespread problems for beekeepers in tropical regions. According to her, migrating ant colonies can contain up to 700,000 individuals that raid and kill along its path. Army ants for example forage in groups and are able to invade and destroy a bee hive within a few hours. [2]
References
- ↑ Pirk, C. W. W., Strauss, U., Yusuf, A. A., Démares, F., & Human, H. (2015). Honeybee health in Africa—a review. Apidologie, 47(3), 276–300. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13592-015-0406-6
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Morse, R. A., & Nowogrodzki, R. (1990). Honey Bee Pests, Predators, and Diseases (2nd edition). Comstock Publishing Associates, USA.
- ↑ Crane, E. (1990). Bees and beekeeping: science, practice, and world resources. Heinemann Newnes.
- ↑ Awraris G.S., Yemisrach G., Dejen A., Nuru A., Gebeyehu G. & Workneh A. (2012). Honey production systems (Apis mellifera L.) in Kaffa, Sheka and Bench-Maji zones of Ethiopia. Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 4(19), 528-541
- ↑ Gidey, Y., & Mekonen, T. (2010). Participatory Technology and Constraints Assessment to Improve the Livelihood of Beekeepers in Tigray Region, northern Ethiopia. CNCS, 2(1), 76-92.
- ↑ Teklu G. W. (2016). Survey on honeybee pests and predators in Sidama and Gedeo zones of Southern Ethiopia with emphasis on control practices. Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, 4(2), 368-381.
- ↑ Tolera, K., & Dejene, T. (2014). Assessment of the effect of seasonal honeybee management on honey production of Ethiopian honeybee (Apis mellifera) in modern beekeeping in Jimma Zone. Research Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Management, 3(5), 246–254.
- ↑ Gidey, Y., Bethlehem, K., Dawit, K., & Alem, M. (2012). Assessment of beekeeping practices in Asgede Tsimbla district, Northern Ethiopia: Absconding, bee forage and bee pests. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.5897/AJAR10.1071
