BEE-spoke-data/bees-v0 huggingface dataset:
There are a few circumstances under which bees seem "'cross;" and although we may not be able to account exactly for it, we can take precautions to avoid these unpleasant features, by a little care. A few years ago a very intelligent friend procrued some Italians, au extractor, etc., and commenced bee culture. He soon learned to handle them, and succeeded finely; when it came time to extract, the whole business went on so easily that he was surprised at what had been said about experienced hands being needed to do the work. He had been in the habit of doing this work as directed, toward the middle of the day, while the great mass of the bees were in the fields; but in the midst of a heavy yield of clover honey, when the hives were full to overflowing, they were one day stopped by a heavy thunder-shower. This, of course, drove the bees home, and at the same time washed the honey out of the blossoms so completely that they had nothing to do but remain in the hives until more was secreted. Not so with their energetic and enthusiastic owner. As soon as the rain had eesed, the hives were again opened and an attempt made to take out the frames, as but a few hours before; but the bees that were all gentleness then, seemed now possessed of the very spirit of mischief and malice; and when all hands had been severely stung, they concluded that prudence was the better part of valor and stopped operations for the day. While loads of honey were coniug in all the while, and every bee rejoicing, none were disposed to be cross; but after the shower, all hands were standing around idle; and when a hive was opened, each was ready to
## Chapter 1 Anger of Bees.
At a grab from its neighbor, and the result was a free tight in a very short time.
There is nothing in the world that will induce bees to sting with such wicked recklessness as to have them get to quarreling over coubs or honey left exposed when they have nothing to do. From a little carelessness in this respect, and nothing else, whole apjaries have been sdemoralized that people were stung when passing along the street several rods distant. During the middle of the day, when bees were busly engaged on the flowers, during a good yield, we have frequently left filled combs standing on the top of a hive from noon until sniper time without a bee touching them; but to do this after a hard rain, or at a time when little or no honey is to be gathered in the fields. might result in the rain of several colonies, and you and your bees being voted a nuisance by the whole neighborhood.
Almost every season we get more or less letters complaining that the bees have suddenly become so cross as to be almost unmanageable, and these letters come along in July, after the clover and linden have begun to slack up. The bees are not so very unlike mankind after all, and all you have to do is to avoid opening the hives for a few days, until they get used to the sudden disappointment of having the avenues through which they were getting wealth so rapidly, cut off. After a week or ten days they will be almost as gentle as in the times when they gathered half a gallon of honey daily, if you are only careful about leaving hives open too long, or leaving any bits of honey or comb about.
It is not easy to explain why bees sting so remorselessly and vindictively after having had a taste of stolen sweets, yet nearly all the experience we have had of trouble with stinging has been from this very cause. Bees from colonies that have a habit of robbing will buzz about one's ears and gres for hours, seeming to delight in making one interva and fidery if they succeed in so doing, and they not only threaten, but often-times intillet, the most painful stings, and then buzz about in an infuriated way, as if frantic because unable to sting one a dozen times more after their sting is lost. The colonies that furnish this class of bees are generally hybrid, or perhaps black bees having just a trace of Italian blood. These states seem to have a perfect passion for following one about, and buzzing before the nose from one side to the other until one gets cross-eyed in trying to follow-their erratic oscillations), in a way that is most especially provoking. One such colony annoyed us so much while extracting that we killed the queen, although she was very prolific, and substituted a full-blood Italian. Although it is seldom a pure Italian follows one about in the manner mentioned, yet an occasional colony may contain bees that do not, at least we have found such, where the workers were all three-handed. That it is possible to have an apiary without any such disagreeable bees, we have several times demonstrated; but oftentimes you will have to discard some of your very best honeygathers, to be entirely rid of them.
On occasions like this it is advisable to use rubber-traps. See Roberts.
With a little practice the apiarist will tell us soon as he comes near the apiary whether any energy bees are about, by the high key-note they utter when on the wing. It is well known that with meal feeding we have perfect tranquillity although bees from every hive in the apiary may be working on a square-yard of meal. Now, should we substitute honey for the meal, we should have a perfect uproar, for a taste of honey found in the open air during a dearth of guarantee, or at a time when our bees have learned to get it by stealing instead of honest industry, seems to have the effect of setting every lee array. In some experiments to determine how and why this result came about, we had considerable experience with angry bees. After they had been robbing, and had become tranquill, we tried them with dry sugar; the querlsome bees fought about it for a short time, but soon resumed their regular business of hanging about the well-filled hives, trying to creep into every crack and crevice, and making themselves generally disagreeable all around. If a hive was to be opened, they were into it almost before the cover was raised, and then resulted a pitched battle between them and the innates; the operator was sure to be stung by one or both parties, and, pretty soon, some of the good people indoors would be asking what in the world made the bees so awfully cross, saying that they even came indoors and tried to sting. Now, why could they not work peaceably on the sugar as they do on the meal, or the clover-blossoms in June? We dampened the sugar with a sprinkler, and the bees that were at work on it soon started for home with a load; then began the high key-note of robbing, faint at first, then louder and louder, until we began to be almost frightened at the mishef that mightensure. When the dampness was all licked up, they soon subsided into their usual condition. The effect of feeding honey in the open air is very much worse than that of feeding any kind of syrup, and syrup from white sugar incites robbing in a much greater degree than that from brown sugar; the latter is so little relished by them that they use it only when little else is to be found. It is by the use of damp brown sugar that we get rid of the greater part of what are usually termed angry bees, or bees that prefer to proval around, robbing and stinging, rather than gather honey "all the day," as the greater part of the population of the apiary does. The sugar should be located _several rods away_, and should be well protected from the rain, but in such a way as to allow the bees to have free access. When no flowers are in bloom, they will work on it in great numbers; but when honey is to be found, you will see none but the prowling rohlers round it. These, you will very soon notice, are mostly common bees and the use having a very little Italian blood. We have seen Italians storing honey in boxes while the common bees did nothing but work in the sugar-barrels. Where you work without a veil, it is very convenient to have these annoying bees out of the way, and, even if they belong to our neighbors, we prefer to furnish them with all the cheap sugar they can lick up.
how the source from which bees are gathering affects their temper.
It has been found that bees are crosser when working on some blossoms than on others. For example they seem to be more inclined to sting when working on buck-wheat than on clover. This is probably due to the fact that the latter yield nectar all play while the former will in most localities yield an hour or two in the morning and again toward night. The stoppage of the slow seems to affect the bees adversely.
In the same way they are cross when working on honey-dew from hickory and oaks. This yields heavily in the morning and lets up and stops during the middle hours of the day. The morning dews soften the saeacharine matter secreted on the leaves of these trees, and when it dries up again the nectar supply is cut off and the bees are cross. During 1000, when there was so much honey from oaks and hickories from all over the country, bees that year were reported to be exceptionally cross.
To make bees good-natured, a honey-plant must be a continuous yielded _all day_. So long as it keeps up its supply, there is quiet.
In discussing this general subject we have attempted to show some of the causes that make bees cross, in order that beginners may be forewarned and on their guard. Now, it may seem a little strange if, under the head of Outdoor Feeding, under the head of Feeding and How to Stop Rohing, under the head of Robbing, we should recommend the very thing that we have warned the beginner not to do--that is, to expose sweets in the open air to which they may help themselves. When the reader has read over some of the chapters in this work he will be able to stop robbing by _doing the very thing_ that starts it in the first place, on the principle that "like eures like." After one has had some experience he can actually stop robbing by putting out a counter-attraction in the shape of feet outdoors; and when the bees are busy with this feed one may open up the hives and do any thing he pleases. The different cases of this kind will be discussed under the sub-title of Feeding outdoors under the general heid of Feeding and Feeders; of Extiacios, and again under the sub-title How to Stop Rohing, under the head of Robbing.
Where one has only a single hive and no neighbors who keep bees, the case is something like Robinson Crusoe on the island; no chance for stealing, and consequently nothing to be cross about. Bees are seldom eross, unless through some fault or carelessness of their owners. See Robbing; also stings.
Although we have given the matter considerable attention, we can not find that ants are guilty of any thing that should warrant, here in the North, the api- artist in waging any great warfare against then. Some years ago a visitor frightened us by saying that the ants about our apiary would steal every drop of honey as fast as the bees could gather it. Accordingly we prepared ourselves with a tea-kettle of boiling water, and not only killed the ants but some grapevines growing near. Afterward there came a spring when the bees, all but about eleven colonies, dwindled away and died, and the hives filled with honey, scattered about the apiary unprotected, seemed to be as fair a chance for the ants that had not "dwindled" a particle, as they could well ask for. We watched to see how fast they would carry away the honey, but, to our astonishment, they seemed to care more for
## ants
The hives that contained bees than for those containing only honey. We soon determined that it was the warmth from the cluster that especially attracted them ; and as the hives were directly on the ground, the ants soon moved into several that contained only a small cluster and for a while both used one common entrance. As the bees increased, they began to show a decided aversion to having two families in the same house, although the ants were evidently inclined to be peaceable enough until the bees tried to "push" matters, when they turned about and showed themselves fully able to hold possession. The bees seemed to be studying over the matter for a while, and finally we found them one day taking the ants, one by one, and carrying them high up in the air, and letting them drop at such a distance from their home that they would surely never be able to walk back again. The bees, as fast as they became strong colonies, drove the ants out ; and our experience ever since has been, that a _good_ colony of bees is never in any danger of being troubled in the least by ants. One weak colony, after battling while with a strong nest of the ants, swarmed out; but they might have done this any way, so we do not lay much blume to the ants.
But ants do prove to be very annoying in those apiaries where there is any attempt to keep the grass down with a lawn-mower. The little hillocks that they make all over the card disfigure it to some extent, as well as forming more or less obstruction to the seeding and lawn-mower. While, as we have already said, ants do little if any damage to hives in the North, yet as it is so easy to endicate them it may be well to consider methods for their extermination.
## how to destroy ants' nests
With a crowbar or a sharp stick and a mallet make a hole an inch or so in diameter, and about a foot deep, down through the center of the nest. Around this hole make two or three other similar ones, or more if the nest is a large one. Go to the drugstore and get about a dune's worth of bisulphide of carbon. Be careful with the stuff, for it is very explosive, and the fumes of it should not be allowed to collect in the room where there is a gasoline flame or any store or lamp burning. From this bottle your about a tabelopoonful of the liquid in each hole; then immediately stop each up with a plug of earth, for it is desired to have the fumes of the bisulphide penetrate all the ants.
galleries of the nest, thus destroying ants, have, and eggs. In a day or so it will be found that every thing formerly aminate in and about that nest is dead-_roy_ dead.
But if the nests are not very large, one can secure almost as good results by using coal oil or gasoline in place of the bisulphide. But in using the, about twice or three times the quantity should be poured in each hole. We have tried both gasoline and kerosne, and have found each effecte in destroying the nest. Of the two, the kerosne (or equal oil as some call it) seems to be preferable. In using bisulphide of carbon, gasoline, or kerosne, be careful about spilling or pouring any of it on the top of the nest, as that will kill the gruss, leaving a brown spot right where it should be green. The bisulphide is more apt to kill the gruss than the gasoline or coal oil, as it is much more powerful. All things considered we would recommend the use of kerosne.
The best time to destroy ants' nests is to go early in the spring, before the ants have had an opportunity to make much of a hill-lock; then there will be less liability of killing the gruss; or, rather, a better opportunity for the gruss to recover from its "dose" during the early spring rains.
## ants in the south
These insects are much more troublesome in the Southern States, and all warm climates, in fact, than in the North. Sometimes they are so large and powerful that they even set about to destroy the colony. We would first find the nest, and proceed to destroy by the use of kerosne or gasoline. If these do not prove to be powerful enough, use bisulphide of carbon, making three or four holes to the square foot of nest ; but in the ease of the bisulphide, one must be careful to have each hole stopped up tight with plugs of earth, otherwise the gas will escape, and the effect of the liquid will be largely lost.
But there is a species of ants in warm climates that have nests in trees that are inaccessible. Other ants are so small, and some such long distances, that it is almost impossible to find their nest. In such cases it has been recommended to place within their reach some syrup or honey mixed with arsenic. Paris green, London purple, or strychine. It is unnecessary to say that all vessels containing such poisonous mixtures should be placed in a box covered with screen just the enough to keep out bees, andcoarse enough to admit the ants. They will work on these poisonous mixtures, and carry them home to their young, with the result that both mature insects as well as larvae will be destroyed, no matter where the nest may be.
E. H. schedule, of Murphys, California, who recommends this method of feedback in the search of the agents with poisoned sweets. This is a very effective, for their visitations will soon cease. But he stipulates that the box containing the poisonous sweet should be placed in the trail of the ants. When it does not seem practicable to destroy the pests they may be kept away from the have temporarily by pouring a little narrow trail of kerosene clear around the hive or hives. The ants will come up to the only line, and there stop. Mr. Poppleton, of Florida, has graphically described in _Gleanings_ the
* With one exception these ants are the worst enc. mics hees have here in Florida, and only constant vigilance from September to December inclusive will prevent the loss of many colonies every season. These ants are usually found in our humonic lands, and only occasionally in time we would have can find a few inches of space are red in colors of very large size, frequently measuring nearly or quite half an inch in length; are strictly nocturnal in their habits, being seldom seen in daytime except when alluded or waging battle with a colony of bees are usually found in decayed \(\Lambda\)Ns.
ally be seen running on some of the hives. As long as only two or three can be seen on any one they, no special attention need be given them; but if a dozen _un_ more are seen it means that they have probably selected that have for their own use, and it needs close watching. They will continue their regular attentions to that one hive, gradually increasing in numbers until they decide they are strong enough, when nearly the entire colony of ants will boldly attack the bees by fitting of wings and legs, and crippling them so they are of no more use. Bees fight back cour courously, the battle continuing for hours, and sometimes a day or two, according to the relative strength of the two belling events. The inside of the hive and the ground were by will be strewn with dead ants and dead and crippled bess; but it always ends with the destruction of all the bees, and the moving in and occupation of the hive by the ant colony. When ants have once chosen a certain colony of bees to work on, the bensator has _got_ to destroy the ants, root and branch, or they will in time destroy the bees. If a part only of the ants are destroyed they will simply hide their until they have built up strong enough, and then do the work. I know of few or no living creaves more persistent in evil works than are these bee killing ants. They also, in certain localities, do great damage to queen-rearing nuclei.
During the fall months I make it a practice almost every evening after dark in my home apiary, and as often as possible in the out-spariaries, to see by the light of a natural tho front of every hive; and on on which I see there or four or more ants running over has a marker placed on it. If the number of ants on any one of these marked hives increases each night I give that hive especial attention until the ants get numerous enough to begin to worry the bees. When this occurs, bees commence to whince, ns I call it--that is, utter a fine sharp note with their wings. As the ants get bolder the eye of the bees becomes louder and more frequent-so much so that I have frequently heard it fully fifty feet away. The ants usually worry the bees continually for several nights, when suddenly the whole colony of ants starts in on a battle royal, which continues for hours or even a day or two, until every bee is disabled or driven out. A great many of the ants will also be killed; but how the bees do this is mystery to me.
When the battle has once been joined, the bekeeper has a difficult task to save the bees but then can usually be prevented. When the ants become plentiful enough at the hive to begin worrying the bees, there is usually a trail of going and returning ants from their nest to the hive, and this can usually be located and traced to their nest, which, when found, should be left undisturbed until the following day, when all the ants will lie at home. If the nest can not be found the first time trying, I search again and until it is found. As soon as the nest is found, or search for it is given up for that night, I sprink some insect powder on their trail near do live; also wherever on or around the hive I can do so to worry the ants and not induce the bees. This wl1 usually keep the ants from doing any more harm that night.
The next day when all the ants are at home, I take a kettle of boiling water, tear open the nest, and, if possible, kill every ant and egg. If a few of them are left they are likely to gather together, increase in time to their former-strength, and again attack that some colony of bees, Whenever the nest is found in a box or piece of wood that can be easily moved with all the ants, the easiest and best plan is to carry them into the chicken-yard, break up the nest, and the bees will gladly do the rest of the business. They are very fond of both ants and eggs; and they not only find them good to cut, but give their owner lots of fun watching the old rouster especially, kick and scroll every time an ant bites once of his feet. I have had many a hearty hugth watching this performance.
These ants are a great pest bere in Florida. They destroy in the aggregate a great many colonies every fall. I know of one apiary which was cutting by lost, largely, I judge, from what I here, by these ants. At the best they are a great nuisance be-cause they competed the bee-keeper to remain at home watching them at a season of the year when nothing is doing in the apiary, and the apiarist could, but for them, be away on a holiday, or have some outside business.
Stuart, Fla, Jev, 9, 1966.
Ants are a serious pest to bees in many tropical countries,notably in South America, where they are omnipresent and almost omnipipot. A species similartto that described by Mr. Poppleton in Florida exists all over tropical America, and particularly in the southern continent. He has so graphically described it, there is no necessity to enlarge on it further. The worst feature of these ants is their readiness to travel, so that, when one does destroy their nests, there is having access to the hives at all. All we have to do is to add cups to all the posts used to support the structure. The illustration preceding, shows very clearly how this is accomplished with but little expense or trouble. The cups are filled with each-tar, creosote, or crude petroleum, all of which the ants positively dislike for two reasons--they stick to their feet and the smell is vile. No ant will attempt to cross such a mess as this, hence the bees are secure. The warm climate keeps the tar, etc., always soft; and if some rain falls into the cups it does no harm, as the water also tastes of the tar.
In working with the bees care should be taken to see nothing is left which will form a "bridge" whereby the ants will manage to reach the bee-hives while the apiarist is absent. One of the worst things that can happen is to allow the ants to get a taste of the bees, for once they do they are sure to linger around waiting for an opportunity to get into the hive.
**Ariarist.** One who keeps bees, or a bee-keeper; and the plot of ground, including hives, bees, etc., is called an
**Ariary.** As you can not well aspire to be the former until you are possessed of the latter, we will proceed to start an apiary.