Feral bees ?

[Mikey N.C.]

Learning more an more about robbing ! Obvious it is a big problem here,  and I'm understanding that after 3 years,  what a shame i was not told the seriousness of this issue.  I'm still learning.
I had 1 of 8 hives that was weak and inspected today,  Q
gone no brood , but alot of bees with black dot throax an black abdomen tails? They are not my bees ? Anyone know?

[Newbee]

Robbing has been a real problem over on this side of the Smokey Mtns too. My hive was robbed out, and I just got back from the local Beek's club meeting w/ a guest speaker who said it's the worst he's seen in years. Must be something in the air. Maybe they know what winter will be like this year? Dunno.

- K

[Perry]

I have commented to several of my friends that the bees seemed particularly nasty this fall and I finally figured out why. Robbing has been a problem for weaker hives, I've probably found 3 or 4 that it's happened to. When doing any manipulations I have had to bring extra covers just to make sure things aren't exposed for even a minute as it sets off the entire yard.
I wonder if Newbee is right, the bees are expecting a tough winter?

[Mikey N.C.]

The NOAA predicted a wet cold winter for upper half of US and you Perry, but dry and warm for us in the south.
But these bees are unlike most that I've seen,  black tipped tails and a stand out black dot. I' ll try an get some pics. today.

[riverbee]

mikey, i'd be interested in seeing your pix of whatever bee robbed out the hive.

robbing can decimate a hive, not just during fall months but can happen any time of the season during dearths and especially as perry said with weak hives, and nucs as well.

[Barbarian]

With the reading that Mickey has done, I am sure he will have found the physical and management techniques that can be used to reduce the robbing.
The robbers don't sound like honeybees.

In New Zealand, there is a big problem with wasps. In parts of Europe it can be Asian Hornets. In both these parts, insecticidal paths are used. In NZ, a bait called "Vespex" is used. In Europe, an insecticidal "Dear John" is attached to stunned foraging hornets.