If robber bees are a problem, usually here in Alberta, at least, this is
a sign of something wrong with a hive, as well as a nectar dearth.
 
We ahve a few of our 1500 hives robbed out each year late in the fall,
and consider it a good thing.  The hives that are emptied are usually
queenless and weak, and the bees rather than being killed seem to drift
out or abscond to better hives adjacent.
 
Could be a problem if dideade were rampant, but it isn't and we medicate
routinely during dearths anyhow.
 
W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper
Rural Route One, Swalwell,  Alberta  Canada T0M 1Y0
Phone/Fax: 403 546 2588      Email: [log in to unmask]
 
On Tue, 20 Sep 1994, Robert T. Reed wrote:
 
> -- [ From: Robert T. Reed * EMC.Ver #2.0 ] --
>
> I have heard frrom an older bee keeper of an old technique of warding off
> robber bees, that has worked for me.
>
> I thought I would pass it on for what ever it is worth.
> Maybe it was just coincidence, or this technique really works.
> If any one out there has ever heard of this , please add your thoughts to
> this notice:
>
> What I did was hang a rag that was soaked in kerosene in front of, and just
> above the entrance, of my hive.
> This is supposed to be offensive to outsider or robber bees, but not to the
> bees that reside within.
> Again, I say, it may be coincidence, but it really worked for me, and I
> would like to pass it on.
>
> Let me know what you think.
>
> (a new bee keeper)
> Bob Reed
>