On Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:37:21 GMT, Busy <busyremove@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>"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!
If you look closly at your hives you should see trails all over it where
the
slugs and snails have been feeding on the algee like growth on the outside
of
the hives. They a herbavoirs and they are probably just seeking shelter
during
the hot day. I doubt that they do any harm. OTOH they may be an
idication that
your hive location and is a poor one with way too much moisture!
beekeep
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