This summer brought a difficult challenge for the bees. Long, dry weather meant there was very little natural forage available, and as a result wasps became unusually aggressive. When wasps struggle to find food they begin targeting beehives, trying to rob honey and overwhelm weakened colonies.
Sadly, our hives were not spared. The wasps managed to break through the entrances and repeatedly attacked the colonies inside. Once robbing begins it can be relentless, and the bees often cannot defend themselves for long. Despite our efforts to reduce entrances and add guards, the wasps continued to push through.
The result was heartbreaking. Several colonies were completely decimated, their stores stolen and their numbers drastically reduced. It is one of the hardest situations a beekeeper faces, especially when the bees have worked so hard through the summer months.
We are already planning stronger protection for next season and will be reviewing hive placement, entrance control and wasp traps to prevent this happening again. Beekeeping has its rewards, but moments like this remind us how fragile colonies can be during harsh conditions.
