Do ants invade bee hives?
Yes, ants do get into hives. They are attracted by honey, syrup, and the warmth and shelter a hive provides. In most cases, a strong colony can guard against them, and ants are more of an annoyance than a serious threat. Small, weak or newly installed colonies are more vulnerable because there are fewer bees to defend the space.
Ants that nest inside the hive, often under the lid or in the insulation, can disturb the bees. Heavy ant activity may also be a sign that a colony is not as strong as it should be, so it is worth checking the queen, population and food stores.
Signs of ants
- Trails of ants going up the hive stand or along the boxes.
- Ants nesting under the outer cover or inner cover.
- Ants feeding on spilled syrup or on feeders.
- Bees that seem agitated at the entrance.
- Ant brood or eggs in the lid area when you open the hive.
Prevention
Use a stand. Keeping the hive off the ground makes it harder for ants to reach it. Ants can still climb stand legs, so extra barriers help.
Add a moat or barrier. A common approach is to stand each leg in a container of water or oil, often called a moat. Moats need topping up and can drown bees if not managed. Some beekeepers also use sticky or greased barriers on the legs; keep these away from bees and avoid getting substances on the hive itself.
Control vegetation. Trim grass and plants touching the stand or hive so ants cannot use them as bridges.
Keep the area clean. Avoid spilling syrup, and do not leave honey-smeared equipment or frames outside.
Keep colonies strong. A well-populated hive defends itself better. A smaller opening, such as with an entrance reducer, makes it easier for the bees to guard.
If ants are already inside
- Open the hive on a calm day and look for where the ants are nesting.
- Remove the ants and ant nest from lids or covers, and move the lid away from the hive before dealing with it.
- Check that the colony is queenright and has enough bees and food.
- Fix the cause, such as ground contact, bridging vegetation or spilled syrup, so the ants do not return.
Some beekeepers report using substances such as cinnamon as a deterrent. The evidence for these is mostly anecdotal, so treat them as optional extras and not as a guaranteed solution.
What kills ants but is safe for bees?
There is no product that can be recommended as universally safe to use inside or directly around a hive. Most ant sprays, powders and baits can harm bees if they contact them or are carried into the hive. It is generally safest to rely on physical barriers and good housekeeping, and to keep chemicals away from the hive entirely. If you feel you need a pesticide, read the label carefully and consult a local bee inspector or extension service first.
FAQ
Do ants kill bees? Occasionally they kill a few bees, and they may harm very small colonies. A strong colony usually tolerates them.
Are ants one of the bigger threats to a hive? Compared with the problems in our overview of insects and animals that kill honey bees, ants are generally lower on the list, but it is still worth dealing with them early.