Nestbox pests:
Indian myna - the problem
Indian myna - prevention
Indian myna - control
Feral bees - the problem
Feral bees - control
Brushtail possums
Ants
| European honey bees - control |
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| Prevention
Prevention is the ultimate goal - to do something to a hollow that deters bees from building in the first place, and preferably something that does not have to be renewed constantly. The most promising idea involves placing a fabric on the underside of the lid, on the basis that bees start to build their honeycomb from the top down. We have tried carpet (some success but not effective enough) and treated sheep skin (total failure). Polyester wool is partially effective, although difficult to work with.
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| Ozbox BeeZapper Note: The chemical that made this device so effective is no longer available. It remains a useful concept if an effective replacement insecticide can be found. This is a simple device for killing a swarm of feral bees that has infested a nestbox. An open container containing an impregnated pad is positioned in front of the entrance - the bees are killed by the fumes. Since there is no physical contact between the insecticide and the honey, there is no danger to animals that might eat the honey later. With the original insecticide, if applied in the late afternoon, the hive would be dead by next morning. It is designed for fitting and recovering from the ground using an extendable pole – no climbing is required. |
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Apart from the sheer messiness of trying to clean out a box full of honey, the honey impregnates the timber and the box never really looses the smell. Hence it is best to destroy a hive soon after infestation, before the comb is filled with honey. Natural processes will then clean out the box (although it is surprising how long it can take for the remains of the bees to disappear - they also have a smell all of their own). |
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