Top feeders are significantly superior to entrance feeders when it comes to preventing robber bees. Because a top feeder is fully enclosed within the protection of the hive boxes, the syrup source is hidden and inaccessible to external scavengers. In contrast, entrance feeders position the food source directly at the hive opening, making it highly visible and inviting to opportunistic bees from other colonies.
While entrance feeders offer convenience for the beekeeper, they create a security risk by exposing food at the colony's front door. Top feeders provide a contained, internal solution that minimizes the scent and visibility that trigger robbing frenzies.
The Mechanics of Protection
Internal vs. External Placement
The primary difference lies in the location of the syrup relative to the hive's defenses.
A top feeder is placed on top of the brood nest and enclosed by an empty hive box and the outer cover. This ensures the feed is contained entirely inside the colony’s secure zone.
Reducing Scents and Visibility
Robber bees rely on smell and sight to locate easy resources.
Because top feeders are internal, the scent of the sugar syrup is largely contained within the hive. Entrance feeders, with their inverted containers resting outside, advertise the presence of sugar syrup to every insect flying past the entrance.
Understanding the Trade-offs
The Appeal of Entrance Feeders
Despite the risk of robbing, entrance feeders are popular for their operational simplicity.
They consist of a feeding tray inserted into the entrance and an external syrup container. This design allows you to monitor syrup levels at a glance without ever opening the hive. Refilling them is equally fast and non-intrusive.
The Security Compromise
However, this convenience comes at a distinct cost to colony security.
By placing food at the entrance, you force guard bees to defend a resource that is practically outside the hive. During a nectar dearth, when robbing pressure is high, an entrance feeder can easily incite a robbing frenzy that a weaker colony cannot repel.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To select the best feeding method for your apiary, consider the current environmental conditions and colony strength.
- If your primary focus is Colony Security: Use a top feeder to keep the syrup internal and reduce the temptation for robber bees, especially during a nectar dearth.
- If your primary focus is Convenience: Use an entrance feeder only during heavy nectar flows when robbing pressure is low, to take advantage of easy monitoring and refilling.
Choose the method that best protects your bees' resources while fitting your management style.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Top Feeder | Entrance Feeder |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Internal (top of hive) | External (hive entrance) |
| Robber Bee Risk | Low (fully enclosed) | High (easily accessible) |
| Scent Containment | Excellent | Poor (advertises food) |
| Ease of Monitoring | Requires opening hive | Visible from outside |
| Best Use Case | Nectar dearth / Security | Heavy flow / Convenience |
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