Colonisation of hives

What stops bees from colonizing a new bee hive?

In Wampiti, beekeeping practice relies on natural settings where people hang the hives in the branches of trees and the bees come by themselves to colonize them. In many parts of Nakasongola, beekeepers are still depending on natural swarms to obtain new colonies. But the competition is becoming high therefore good players win.

Mouse

Beekeepers have to set their hives in ways which would easily attract swarms to colonize quickly. However many hives don’t get colonized because of the following:
Mice nest in empty hives and inhibit new colonies from taking the hive. Mice nest in unused corners of the hive especially when the colony is weak. Mice are seen to nest between the cover and the bars of top bar hive. Mice nests are a mess in the hive which makes it unfavorable for the bees to colonize it.
Spiders build webs which trap scout bees. Therefore the scouts are unable to go back to deliver messages to the swarm about the findings. The hive also looks wired with webs and untidy for colonization.

Black ants

Crazy ants/ Black ants mess up the hive with piles of dirt which makes the hive unpleasant for new colonies. Usually black ants nest in the cracks of hives even when there are bees.
Snakes sometimes take up residence in hives before bees colonize them but this is temporary and not very common compared to black ants, spiders and mice.
Wood from certain tree species produces an odor which irritates the bees. Therefore the beekeeper should take caution of the source of the wood before constructing the hive. If the wood stinks when it gets wet the bees aren’t attracted to it.

Location of the hive is also important. If a hive is installed in a direct sun shine area, the bees will not take it since the bees don’t like hot temperatures in the hive. A hive in a damp location may not get colonized because of the wetness which couldn’t be regulated by the bees.
However all the above can be dealt with to achieve a successful natural colonization of hives when these guidelines are taken into account.

Regular supervision of hives is very important to stop the infestation of mice, spiders, ants, and snakes. Clean the hive regularly. Choose a conductive location with a good shade.
Smoke the hive before installing it with good scents which attract bees. Rub the hive bodies with good scents such as lemon grass.

Rub propolis or beeswax on the bars to bait bees. I don’t recommend using honey since this attracts ants.
Install hives during swarming seasons.

A beehive installed high in the tree branches

Temporarily install the hive raised above in the branches of trees and lower it when it gets colonized. Scout bees and bees want to live high; therefore they are more attracted to raised hives.
Choose woods which never give odor when wet. There are known tree species which provide wood which bees like.
Keep the beeyard clean.