Pest Alert: Spiders
As the cooler months settle in and our stingless bees slow down, it’s the perfect time to carry out a bit of routine hive maintenance. One issue that can quietly creep in during winter is spiders. While generally harmless in the broader garden, spiders can become a problem when they set up camp on or around your hive.
Spiders are known to spin webs across the entrance of hives, especially when bee activity is low. If left unattended, they can completely block the entrance or even move into the hive entrance, creating unnecessary stress for your colony. It’s a simple issue to manage—but one that’s easy to overlook if you’re not regularly checking in.
To keep your hive healthy and your bees unbothered, we recommend a quick spider check every few weeks throughout the year, especially during winter.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clear away spider webs:
Remove the roof of your hive gently.
Using a soft brush or a leafy branch, clear away any spider webs or spiders from the inside of the roof.
Inspect the hive box itself, especially around edges and crevices, and brush off any webs or lurking spiders.
Pay special attention to the entrance and surrounding area. Clear any obstructions and make sure bees have a clean, open path in and out.
Reattach the roof securely.
On a warm, sunny day, take a moment to watch the flight path. If you notice webs in the path or spiders loitering nearby, gently remove them or relocate them to another part of your garden.
Some areas are more prone to spider activity than others, so you might need to check more frequently if you live in a particularly web-prone zone. This kind of simple, hands-on maintenance not only protects your hive but also strengthens your connection to the colony—one of the true joys of native bee care.
Regular checks like these ensure your bees stay safe, undisturbed, and ready to spring back into action when the weather warms up.
