Credits:Biovision-Infonet
During the last two decades there has been a tremendous increase in the spread of bee diseases around the world. This has been brought about by the movement of honey bee colonies and sharing of beekeeping equipment. There are few remaining regions without introduced honey bee diseases, and as a rule used beekeeping equipment should not be imported.
Honey bee colonies, or even single queen bees, must never be moved from one area to another without expert consideration of the consequences. See the section in the introduction about bee-keeping and organic agriculture.
There are numerous pests that will disrupt a beehive and prey on your bees. Wax moths are almost universal, ants are very common and persistent hazard, and honey badgers a serious nuisance in Africa. It is best to talk to other local beekeepers about what the most common problems are and take their advice about appropriate defences. The major bee pests and predators that affect the performance and production of honey bee colonies are:
| Pest | Control |
| Termites, ants | -Greasing suspension wires -Clearing the vegetation beneath and around the hives |
| Hive beetles | – Use the right size of entrance holes. – Maintain a strong colony – Inspection and physical removal |
| Wax moth | -Strengthen colonies by feeding and destroying infested combs. |
| Sugar ants | – Greasing of suspension wires – Cleaning the apiary |
| Predators | |
| Pirate wasp | -Strong colonies |
| Honey badger | -Wasp trap -High hive hanging method |