District Wise Assessment of Beekeeping Practices and Impact of Predatory Wasps on Honey Bee Colonies in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

A comprehensive survey was conducted across all districts of Himachal Pradesh to investigate the status of beekeeping, pests of honey bees especially predatory wasps and management practices of beekeepers against them. Special emphasis was placed on the distribution and impact of different species of predatory wasps on honey bee colonies of both species Apis mellifera and A. cerana across the state. Interviews with beekeepers were conducted using a well structured questionnaire across the state to assess colony losses, pest distribution, and local management techniques used against the predatory wasps. The results suggested that middle-aged individuals (40–60 years) dominated the beekeeping sector, while the youth and old age individuals remained underrepresented. Most sampled beekeepers were trained and possessed 10–20 years of experience. Four species of predatory wasps, namely: viz. Vespa mandarinia Smith, Vespa tropica Vecht., Vespa auraria Smith and Vespa basalis Smith were recorded predating the apiaries of honey bees across the state, with average colony losses due to wasp attack estimated at 14.58%. Common local management techniques used by beekeepers included flapping, destruction of nest, bottle traps, and queen killing. The results of this study emphasize the significant impact of predatory wasps on the health and productivity of apiculture in Himachal Pradesh, indicating the need for effective control measures and capacity building among young and new beekeepers for developing and boosting the apiculture sector in Himachal Pradesh.