Determination of the effect of electric fence system on productivity and behaviour of honeybees housed in different beehive types (Apis mellifera L.)

This study was conducted in 2018 in order to determine the effects of an electric fence system on honeybee colonies housed in hives made from different materials. The experiment was carried out with honeybee colonies of 36 Caucasian races (Apis mellifera Caucasica) in full-size Langstroth hive. In terms of mean values of the aggressive behaviour of honeybee colonies were found to be the highest (13.57 number/colony) application group where the conductor wires of electric fence system are within a 1 m distance from hives and the lowest (2.39 number/colony) were obtained from control application group. The highest mean values adult bee development (23.76 ± 12.34 number/colony), development of brood area (5421.25 ± 1432.75 cm 2 /colony), nectar flow period weight gain (46.42 ± 3.61 kg/colony), flight activity (107.38 ± 11.74 number/colony) and honey yield (21.55 ± 1.54 kg/colony) were determined in control groups. When the average values of honeybees robbing behaviour were examined, the highest value (3.33 ± 0.32 number/colony) was determined in the control groups. This experiment shows that the electromagnetic and electric fields produced by the electric fence system have negative effects on honeybees. In order to minimise the negative effects of the electric fence system on the bees, hives should be covered with a metal screen or should be placed long distance (minimum 2 m) from the electric fences.Highlights The electric fence system is the most effective method of keeping honeybee colonies. At the same time, the electric fence system disturbs the honeybees. All negativity can be completely eliminated by simple measures.