How to Defend a Hive from External Enemies?

The microscopic level focuses mainly on defence against microorganisms that can damage not only the health of the individual bee, but also that of the hive as a whole. If bees did not put their special defence mechanisms into practice, the hive would certainly not be the environment that we know now. The constant introduction of external elements, humidity, heat and darkness would make the hive the perfect environment for the proliferation of microbes. However, this is not the case. How come?

First of all, bees are equipped with special individual defence systems, both external and internal. Bees are equipped with a tegument that covers their bodies and is soaked in antiseptic substances secreted by particular glands. Added to this is the involvement of the immune system, which makes it possible to detect foreign organisms, knock them out and produce antibodies for a future defence response. Last but not least, the action of the bee's intestinal bacterial flora must be considered. Indeed, it allows it to act on anything harmful that may be introduced by the insect through its diet.

The hive as a whole also has various mechanisms to defend itself against micro-organisms. The basic concept is that the hive must be made as clean as possible. This is why there are bees that specialise in removing dead or diseased bees. Furthermore, bees are used to sprinkle the wax that makes up the combs not only with propolis, which has known microbial properties, but also with venom, which has antiseptic properties. Glucose oxidase, an enzyme produced by bees and found in honey and royal jelly, also plays an important role. In contact with water and oxygen, it produces substances (gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide) that are very important for maintaining the healthiness of the hive.

The defence of the hive, however, is not all about the internal front. The protection of the colony from external enemies is equally important. As we have seen, bees mainly use their sting to perform this task. The aggressiveness of bees varies greatly depending on the type of family, external climatic conditions and the location of the bee. Near the entrance to the hive are guard bees, which patrol the hive and prevent intruders from entering. Normally, away from the hive the bee is not aggressive, unless it is in the tracks connecting the hive to the food source. It has been proven, in fact, that along these aerial corridors, which can remain the same even for a very long time, bees display the same attitude as they do when they are defending their colony.

The stinger, however, is not the bees' only weapon of defence. Against certain aggressors or small pests, bees can take action using their mandibular apparatus, literally biting intruders. In some species of bees, such as those widespread in the East, a very peculiar defence mechanism has also developed, used to defend themselves against attacks by predators such as wasps and hornets. The bees simply cluster around the intruder, then raise the internal temperature of the 'sphere' to around 46°C by using their wing muscles. This defence system is called a hot defensive bee ball in the jargon. In this way they literally cook the enemy, neutralising the threat it poses to the colony.

It should not be assumed, however, that the bees' defensive action is only directed against other animals or humans. Bees can also attack bees from other families. All this is based on the so-called 'home concept' that is specific to these insects and which is very interesting to discover. It can be said that every bee has its own smell and that this is determined on a genetic level. Bees born of the same mother and father possess the same smell. Since within a family genetic variability is represented by the heritage carried by the drones that have fertilised the queen, bees with different odours coexist within the same colony. Coexistence within the hive, however, leads to a sort of exchange of these typical odours, creating what could be called the characteristic odour of the hive itself. The combs also play an important role in this process.

The world of bees is certainly very fascinating, but we are all a long way from understanding it in all its complexity. The studies that are still being conducted on these insects are many and seek to gain a deeper understanding of both the bee itself and the hive as a superorganism. Getting closer to their reality is certainly interesting and even those who do not have to deal with bees every day can do so. How? By adopting a hive monitored with 3Bee systems, you can remotely follow the development of a family, just as the beekeeper does. Moreover, at the end of the season, you will be able to receive the honey produced by your hive directly to your home. You will thus have the opportunity not only to get closer to these incredible insects, but also to taste different types of honey, each of which is nothing more than an expression of the peculiarities of the places where it was produced. Find out which hives are still available!