Re: Slugs in hives

"Edward O' Brien" <ejobrien@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in
news:rcKdnfROo9uvqwzbRVnytQA@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 

> I have a problem with slugs getting into my hive (S). I am surprised
> they get past the bees and was wondering if anyone knows
> 
> a) how they get in?
> B) is there anything i should use or more im****tantly not use as i
> don't want to damage the bees health.
> 
> I am a beginner with bees and my friend has never experienced slugs in
> 25 years.
> 
> I am in Glasgow in the Central Scottish belt if that is relevant, - A
> 'temperate' climate. Hives are located beside a rhubarb patch.
> 
> Many thanks
> 
> Ed in Glasgow
> 
> 
> 
> 

This is interesting because I have found a slug or two in my hives on
first spring inspection many occasions, but just the other day found
four beauties langui****ng just inside the entrance... 

I picked up a swarm in my bait hive, a few evenings later I went down
the garden to "have a nose" and noticed a large leopard slug cruising by
the entrance; it looked like it was cleaning up the debris that the
swarm was throwing out. 

On Thursday last I moved the swarm to another apiary in order to unite
it with a queen-less colony.  When I removed the floorboard to my
surprise I found four of the fattest slugs living inside the entrance
block.  They appeared to be completely at-one with the bees, three
different species, and must have entered the hive by squeezing through
the entrance. 

I would like to know if they are good or harmful for bees and what they
eat.  I must admit that my reaction is that until proven otherwise I
view them as just "there".  Mind you it has been VERY wet here in the
Midlands recently with two months rain in just one day, ideal slug
weather!