Recently while browsing several beekeeper facebook groups I noticed several beekeepers mention finding Black Widow spiders hanging out by their hives. In particular, underneath the hives. This caught my attention at the time because several times in the last year I found Black Widows nesting underneath two of our hives. One of them had a poor unfortunate honeybee wrapped up in it's web.
And then during the last inspection one was discovered above the inner hive cover under the top cover. Safe in a screened in area protected from the bees but hidden in a sneaky place where it could possibly snare a curious bee that managed to sneak under the hive cover. Needless to say this spider is no more and the hive is safe again.
But still it's a little disturbing. I don't like spiders to begin with and Black Widows are my least favorite. Another good reason to wear heavy gloves while handling the hives.
The Florida Bee Farm" is a mini eco-farm located in Clearwater Florida and completely solar powered. Our eleven hives of pampered (spoiled) honey bees produce delicious local honey. We utilize organic growing methods with naturally made compost and tonics to repel pests. Irrigation system fed by a rain barrel collection system powered by solar electric.
Honey Bee
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