The primary enemies of honey aren't single creatures, but rather pests and predators that target bee colonies for honey and other resources.
Major Threats to Honey: Ants and Other Insects
Several insects pose significant threats to honey bee colonies and, consequently, to honey itself. These insects don't directly "attack" the honey in the same way a human might, but they raid hives and steal honey as a food source. This directly impacts the honey supply.
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Ants: The text explicitly names several ant species as significant threats. The black ant (Camponotus compressus), the household red ant (Dorylus labiams), and Monomorium spp. are all known to raid beehives. These ants attack weaker colonies, stealing not only honey but also pollen and brood (bee larvae). This weakens the colony's ability to produce more honey.
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Other Insects and Pests: While the provided reference focuses on ants, other insects and pests can also threaten honey production indirectly. This includes various hive beetles, wax moths, and mites that damage or destroy the hive, impacting the bees' ability to produce and store honey.
Understanding the Threat
It's crucial to understand that the "enemy" of honey isn't a single entity but rather a complex interaction between pests, predators, and the health of the bee colony itself. A healthy, strong bee colony is better equipped to defend itself and its honey stores against these threats.
