This is how you react correctly

Unloved relatives visit

We know it ourselves: some relatives invite themselves, even if the relationship is rather critical. Maybe because they want something specific from you. This could also be used to describe the phenomenon that sometimes takes place in beehives. Bees are frequently visited by wasps. And of course not because the two types of voice get along so well. Rather, as is so often the case in the animal world, it is about benefiting. Wasps are primarily after the bee larvae, but also like to nibble on the precious honey.

Species of wasps that can be dangerous to honey bees are mainly:

• Hornets
• Beewolf
• German wasps
• Common wasps

The beewolf feeds almost exclusively on honey bees, which is why it got its name. It can be very problematic for bee populations. However, he hunts his victims for flowers when collecting nectar - he does not penetrate the beehives.

Different Hornets, German and Common Wasps. From time to time they try to break into the bees' homes in order to plunder. Since every bee colony posts guards at the entry holes in the hive, penetration is not very easy. In addition, once successful intruders in the prey are usually violently attacked and expelled from the house.

Normally. Because bee colonies are set up differently. Depending on the size and, above all, the health of the population, a colony may be too weak to repel intruders. Even in cold temperatures, bees are at a disadvantage compared to wasps, which are more temperature-resistant and therefore more agile.

Help with keeping the house peace

To help the bees ward off unpleasant wasp visits, it makes sense to make the entry holes on the hive smaller. A size of 0.8 x 1 cm per hole makes it much more difficult for the wasps to penetrate inside. In principle, you should also ensure that the bee colony is well cared for and strengthened through careful feeding and regular mite prevention. Then they can also defend themselves well.