Pests and predators
Bee pests, parasites, and predators
This section brings together biological threats that directly affect colonies, with a focus on parasitic issues already documented in the wiki and practical warning signs to monitor in the apiary.
Informational content. Field observation does not replace laboratory confirmation, assessment by a beekeeping technician or veterinarian, or current official guidance.
Acarapiosis
Infestation by Acarapis woodi
Tracheal parasitosis of adult bees caused by the microscopic mite Acarapis woodi, transmitted mainly by direct contact.
Ants
Formicidae spp.
Ants can enter weak colonies, rob food, disturb bees, and damage material when access points are easy to exploit.
Asian hornet
Vespa velutina nigrithorax
Invasive predator that captures bees at the hive entrance, suppresses foraging, and can contribute to colony weakening or losses.
Braula
Infestation or commensalism by Braula coeca
A small wingless fly that lives on adult bees, especially on the queen, and feeds near the host's mouthparts. It is usually regarded as a commensal or a parasite of low economic importance. The larvae may tunnel superficially through honey cappings and reduce the commercial quality of comb honey.
European bee-eater
Merops apiaster
Migratory insectivorous bird that captures bees and other insects in flight. It may concentrate temporarily near apiaries, but responses must be strictly non-lethal.
European hornet
Vespa crabro
Native hornet that may occasionally prey on bees, but its impact is usually localized and far lower than that of the Asian hornet.
Greater wax moth
Galleria mellonella
Comb pest, especially in weak colonies and stored material. Larvae tunnel through comb, spin webbing, and can destroy frames and wax combs.
Lesser wax moth
Achroia grisella
Secondary wax-moth pest that becomes more relevant in unprotected comb and stored material, although it can also affect weak colonies.
Mice and small rodents
Muridae spp.
Small rodents can enter hives during cold periods or when entrances are wide, damaging comb, consuming stores, and contaminating the interior.
Oriental hornet
Vespa orientalis
Predatory hornet that can attack bees and weak colonies, with higher relevance in regions where it is established.
Small hive beetle
Aethina tumida
Regulated pest whose adults and larvae feed on brood, honey, and pollen. Larvae can destroy comb and trigger honey fermentation.
Tropilaelaps
Infestation by Tropilaelaps spp.
Brood parasitosis caused by mites of the genus Tropilaelaps. These mites reproduce in capped brood cells, feed on larval and pupal tissues, and can cause irregular brood, deformities, reduced bee longevity, and colony collapse. They represent a serious exotic threat to European beekeeping.
Varroosis
Infestation by Varroa destructor
Parasitic disease of the honey bee caused by the mite Varroa destructor. It weakens adult bees and brood and favors the transmission and expression of viruses, making it one of the main health issues in beekeeping.