Causes of Absconding

Causes of absconding in African bees

When bees leave as a whole colony and leave the hive empty is what we call absconding. There are many causes of absconding and here we can point out a few of them.
1. Hive location.
The location of a beehive is very important because bees normally don't want too much heat therefore the hive shouldn't be in direct sunshine. This applies to bees in African setting. And also bees don't want damp areas therefore the temperature should be balanced. a beehive shouldn’t be located in direct wind direction which normally inconvenience bees.
2. Pests
Pests like rats, mice, beetles, lizards, birds and many others can easily force bees to leave the hive to run away from the inconveniences caused by these pests. Therefore a routine hive inspection is recommended to stop these pests from invading the hive. Termites are known for destroying wooden hive bodies as well as other crawling insects which nest in the hive.
3. Poor harvesting practice.
This involved 2 ways; when you harvest all the honey and even the brood when annoys the bees and when you poorly and aggressively handle the bees during harvesting like hitting the hive, scorching then with fire and crashing them. Bees should be manipulated gently without panic and hurrying. This will not destabilize the bees so much hence avoiding absconding.
4. Bad hive conditions.
Broken hive bodies and leaking hive covers can easily lead to absconding. Hives with no covers which allow wind and rain to enter into the nest freely and inconvenience bees eventually lead to absconding.
5. Size of the bee hive
The size of a bee hive is very important especially a small bee hive shall be abandoned by bees when their population grows big and strong, they will look for a big hollow to stay in than a small limited hive. Also bees may abscond from a too big hive in search for an average to nest in. This is due to cases like bees may not be able to regulate the temperature in the big hive and defend it well; they will leave it in search for a good size.
6. Nectar sources
When bees have to move a look distance in search of water and nectar, usually get ware out fast and tired by the end of the day. This will in no time drive away in search of a better location, situated near nectar sources and water.
7. Pesticides
Some pesticides used in spraying in gardens and animals are very poisonous to bees. For example when cows are sprayed with unfriendly pesticide and are grazed near an apiary, the bees will get affected and will consequently abscond. Spraying crops near apiaries with a bad pesticide will cause absconding to nearby affected colonies. Beekeepers are advised to use only bee-friendly pesticides with words: Non toxic to bees.

Note:
Naturally, African bees are known for absconding easily even when conditions are equally favoring.
African bees also abscond frequently from KTBH or modern hives than from logo hives or traditional hives. This has lead to many beekeepers say that modern beehives are less productive than traditional beehives. This has been confirmed in various parts of Uganda by experienced beekeepers and beginners.

Beekeepers are advised to use both traditional and modern hives for transitional purposes.