[NRVcat]

Hi,
My husband and I are new to beekeeping -- set up our two hives on May 1. Things seem to be going well. We were going to check on them this past weekend but then discovered on Sunday that my hive was being robbed. Out came wet sheets for both hives, since once mine was covered, the robbers moved over to my husband's hive. Is there a danger in opening up the hives right after robbing has occurred? Or should we rather wait another week?

~Elizabeth

 

[AstroBee]

Covering hives can be tricky - even with wet sheets. Hives can get overheated very quickly and you can end up doing more damage than what you're intending to prevent. You'd probably be better off getting some robber screens or at minimum reducing entrances to as small as possible. Starting hives in May is not the best as the nectar flow doesn't extend too much into June (at least further southeast from you). So I assume that you're feeding sugar water, true? If so, you may consider not feeding until you get a handle on the robbing. The smell of sugar water is irresistible for bees during a dearth.

 

[AmericasBeekeeper]

Besides the reducer, you could put a handfull of long grass in the entrance. The type of feeder has much to do with robbing. Front feeders are the worst. Feeders that leak syrup are risky too. Feeders in or on top of the hive that do not allow access from outside bees are great.