Ants Are Jerks! The Bees of Baybay City Under Attack...part 2

Here it is! This is the follow up video to the ant attack video. Things didn't seem to be going all that well at first, but finally, we came up with a great couple of solutions that seem to have worked at "temporarily" curing our ant problem around the bee hives. I also make some really interesting observations and spend some time thinking out loud and wondering what will happen next. I hope you'll watch and enjoy this video.

[@01redlightning]

Hi Brent! Dadgummit! I'm mad as heck with these ants messing with the bees trying to get the honey flow! Brent,,,,you've got mail! Take care.

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Hey buddy! Sorry I’m slow to reply. My wife is home from the USA and we have been really busy with family bonding time and getting ready for Christmas. You’ll be happy to hear the ants are under control. I have new issues to share in the next video. I’ll check my mail shortly and reply to you. God bless you my friend.

[@DooleyBFR]

I would come live in a tent in your back yard and work for food n stay I believe! So Beautiful and Bees too! God Bless you and Your Bees!!!

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Thank you my friend. If I can’t start making a bunch of splits and honey soon I might have to build an outhouse and fire pit and rent plots out as a bee experience eco campground lol. I hope to talk to you soon.

[@remyorth1213]

Good to see my neighbor here noy Digoy.. Welcome to Ciabo sir. Your farm is just some meters away from our house. We have morning glory (white color) in our garden and they attracts bees.

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Thank you for watching the video neighbor! I appreciate the comment and it’s such a coincidence that you live so close. Feel free to stop by if you see my multicab out by the road and I’ll introduce you to the bees. Again, thank you for watching and God bless you always. See you at school. Lol

[@gamerwits4329]

I like the star wars end credits hahaha

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Thank you so much. I think it's pretty funny too. I had so much footage that the video would be too long. I had to find a good place to break and make a new continuation. In a couple days I'm going to have a video where I do a full inspection and you will see a lot of bees and how to deal with some new troubles.

[@gamerwits4329]

@@beekeepinginparadise5935 bee keeping in the tropics.

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

@@gamerwits4329 Yep, it's a whole new kind of beekeeping. No more taking the winters off and just waiting until spring. LOL. I love this! I get to do what I'm passionate about all year long.

[@iwashere9670]

I heard some honeybee farmer uses artificial plastic flower with sugar water mixture as a food for honey bees.

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

I’ve seen that too and personally I believe it’s a really bad idea. Feeding should only be done under controlled conditions for a specific amount of time and for a specific reason. Feeding sugar water like this can adulterate the entire honey crop and ruin a beekeeper’s reputation for making a pure product. Please watch my next video to see how feeding should be done and for what purpose. God bless you my friend.

[@kswsquared]

Been a bit late to this video and the last one; I'm glad the ant issue is getting resolved! Also I heard 2 new birds in your audio background. A group of Guaiaberos at 7:00 and 14:00, and a Philippine Coucal at around 17:00, haha. Off the top of my head I think I've heard around 5 species already from watching your videos of the farm... :D

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

That is so cool. I just worry that they are attracted to my area because of the reliable food source of bees. I’ve heard some can be really damaging to colonies. I hope that’s not the case. Thank you for the cool details. I’m amazed by the sounds I hear when I’m out there and have a chance to be quiet. God bless you my friend.

[@kswsquared]

@@beekeepinginparadise5935 In that case, your best defense would be more sturdy ant-proofing, and regular checks. Maybe keep the area around the boxes clear of vegetation so you can better see any ant lines... I'm looking forward to you having more colonies in the future so you can better soak up any ant attacks...

[@kswsquared]

@@beekeepinginparadise5935 In that case, your best defense would be more sturdy ant-proofing, and regular checks. Maybe keep the area around the boxes clear of vegetation so you can better see any ant lines... I'm looking forward to you having more colonies in the future so you can better soak up any ant attacks...

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

So am I. I’m learning new things all the time here. Hopefully I can stay ahead of all these challenges too. I’m excited to build these colonies up to strength and get them split to grow the yard. Thank you for following along.

[@ianb3895]

Hi Brent, sorry I missed thr prem. So you have met Antik/tree ants. Good idea on the basin, since you are "starting over" may i suggest taking a step further on the build. Build a bench to put the beehives on with tall legs, with the legs sitting in a small bucket, They come in diff sizes from small dippers to huge tubs. So you can have the benchrack sit in those tubs pails that can hold more water and a "bigger" moat around the legs. You can elevate the hives from the ground/ants as required. The buckets allow for more space between the bucket edge and the bench/rack and water content can be adjusted as needed. Funny that Kuya Digoy being a local had the most direct response hehehe and probably the most effective. "till next Brent. BTW wait until all those bloom. And how's the roof deck?

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Great suggestions and awesome comment. I’m going to go forward with the large wash tubs idea. It seems like it will be the simplest and most cost effective method. Yes Noy Digoy is a total legend. He knows so much. I trust him completely and he is so eager to help. He is invaluable to me and my piece of mind. He knew instantly the best way to get rid of the ants and he just did it. I like people like that. As for home life and the roof deck… I got the paint cleaned up well enough. My wife will be back here tomorrow and I think I’ll live. It’s so nice to be up there but it gets really hot on sunny days. I find myself relaxing on the terrace more often looking at the clouds and mountains. Take care and bee well my friend. I hope to hear from you again soon. God bless.

[@mresteslikes]

I have had this issue in CA. The ants in PH seem a little more aggressive. I built a table, then put each leg of table inside of a paint can, then I filled each paint can with oil. That solved the issue for me until some leaves fell on the cans and bridged the oil gap. As long as I keep the debris (leaves) clear, it seems to work.

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Hey Corey. What you did is precisely what I’m getting ready to do here except I’ll have my tubs filled with water so I don’t pollute the ground when they overflow from the constant rains we’ve been getting. I’m glad you’re watching! God bless you my friend.

[@mresteslikes]

@@beekeepinginparadise5935 Very true! We don’t have as much an issue with rain here in CA. Good luck 👍 looking forward to the next video!

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Thank you. Yes the rain is a curse and a blessing at the same time. I’m working on editing the next video now. New day, new challenges. Lol. It’s always something.

[@cozitsmj87]

Those ants -- hantik are indeed relentless. They most definitely can build a bridge to get to whatever they want access to. My 2 cents on trying to remedy this invasion is to spread wood ashes around the perimeter of the hives. Ants will die from walking on ashes because they breathe from their exoskeleton thus suffocating them. Big + for others' suggestions as well

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

No kidding? I never heard of that one before but it sounds like a great idea! Thank you for the suggestion. I like that one because it doesn’t use chemicals. God bless!

[@piacash5216]

Wow that’s a lot of Ants 👍

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

It sure was. The good news is that they are still gone and leave the hives alone now. Sorry it’s taking a long time to reply. My wife is home from the USA and we have had a lot of family bonding this week. God bless you always my friend.

[@whatyourlifestyle998]

Good morning from Tacloban we have some sunshine. Hope the bees from the invaders

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Good morning! Yes, the sunshine is very welcome. The bees love a good sunny day. God bless you my friend.

[@whatyourlifestyle998]

Like cane toads , ants will mountain climb.

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

They are incredible creatures. I have been told that we don't have the cane toads in our area but Noy Digoy is on the lookout and is monitoring the bees when I'm not there. If they show up, we'll be ready for them and install frog fence. The ants are so smart. I don't get how with a microscopic brain but they are. Hopefully when I get the wash tubs installed that will be pretty hard for them to cross and we will keep torching their nests when we find them. Thank you for the comment. I really appreciate it. God bless you my friend.

[@whatyourlifestyle998]

@@beekeepinginparadise5935 God bless to.

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Thank you my friend. So far so good. New video coming soon. I hope you’ll bee watching.

[@eosspace5888]

wrap "automotive grease" around your wooden platform.

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

That's a good idea too. I've had others recommend used motor oil. I have another option that I'm going to try. .Stay tuned for that one in an upcoming video. I think it's going to be cheap, easy and chemical free as well as effective. God bless you my friend. I appreciate you watching.

[@butchbusby8696]

In know how to solve your ant problem. Mount hives on a single post with a water pan attached to post about half way up.the post. I live in Louisiana. And have had this problem before.

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Great idea! My solution was similar. I used laundry tubs, but you’ll see that in an upcoming video. I really hate ants. Lol. Thanks for watching im grateful to have you with us.

[@makeitpay8241]

i like to wear a white shirt when working my hives

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Yep, me too. I wasn't going in the hives that day which is why I was in the black shirt. These bees are so chilled out though that they don't care. These are the first colonies I've ever been able to work without a veil...but I always do just in case. God bless you my friend. I appreciate the comment and you watching.

[@tao3803]

try planting flowers for the Bee's plus they look pleasant

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Patience my friend. Lol. I have big plans and big decisions to make on the farm. Planning is going to be tricky to make the most of the land we have. I’m torn in so many directions right now with things I want to do. Bee well and God bless.

[@mikeheyjoebuenavistadreamin272]

hang in there , as with everything in the philippines ,time is filipino time ,solutions and remedies will present themselves and you will bee in the honey . i think the putting the hives up on stands with legs and legs in containers filled with water ,diesel , motor oil or anything that is toxic to ants and wont evaporate will do the trick .. what does the guy who sold you the bees think? keep on keepin on dude

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Thank you my friend. Yes you’re correct. When I’m doubt just ask Noy Digoy. Lol since he torched them we really haven’t had a problem. I’m definitely going to improve the stands. I’m keeping it chemical free for now since the bees drink the water too. Digoy is good at keeping the moats filled with water. Don’t worry. I’m not giving up. Beekeeping is all about patience and I know I can do this.

[@edisonuy7707]

Hehe I also used to do that method of fire on a pole to burn the hantik ant nest. Its so satisfying watching those ants get toasted and fall down as revenge for damaging our duhat tree. Maybe you can also use borax to kill those pesky ants.

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Hey Edison. So far so good on the ant war. They haven’t come back yet. If they do I might have to go the borax road but with all the rain we get it would have to be reapplied a lot. Thank you for the comment. Sorry I’m slow to reply this time. My wife is back from the USA and we have been busy getting ready for Christmas. Bee well and God bless.

[@edisonuy7707]

@@beekeepinginparadise5935 no problem. Advanced Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family.

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Thank you so much. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well. I hope you’ll be blessed from the Lord as we prepare to celebrate the savior’s birthday.

[@Plecosauga]

You should connect with Mikey Bustos, he's a pinoy-Canadian youtuber who has vast knowledge on ants. He may have an idea how to deal with ants without eliminating them. Good luck!

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Thank you for the tip. For now the ants are gone but if they come back and cause more trouble I’ll try to follow up for some pro tips. I appreciate the hookup. God bless you my friend.

[@oscarhamtig9785]

Good evening po

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Hey Oscar. It’s good to hear from you my friend. God bless you always.

[@jamstore97]

👍👍👍

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Hey jamstore. Thanks for watching. New video coming out real soon. Keep your eyes open. Talk to you soon. God bless.

[@gamerwits4329]

Maayong buntag bai

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Good morning Gamer. I'm glad you can join us! I'm blessed that you're here. Take care and God bless you my friend.

[@gamerwits4329]

@@beekeepinginparadise5935 it feels like your back in square one on bee keeping, with this new environment, weather patterns and new vegetation.

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

@@gamerwits4329 YES! 100%. I have to learn everything over again. I know how to make my equipment and how to manage the bees, but as for timing, and when to do things, it's all learning by trial and error. I can't even ask for advice from other Filipinos because the weather is so different from one region to another. I'm totally up for the challenge and I'm loving every minute of it. It is a test of my ingenuity and observation skills as well which I enjoy.

[@RippleAffect]

Soapy water will kill the ants

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Yes! It sure will. For now I’m trying to avoid any chemicals in the water because the bees have taken to drinking it too. I’m going to try a few things and keep on torching the ant nests when we find them. That seems to be keeping them under control for now. God bless you. Thank you for the suggestion. Please keep them coming. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

[@shawnlee3997]

Gud luck hass

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Thank you. So far so good. Fingers are crossed and I keep asking for God’s blessings. Bee well my friend.

[@martymatfly3578]

🙂

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Marty! Good to hear from you my friend. Sorry it’s taking a long time to reply my wife has returned from the US and we have had a lot of family bonding this week. God bless you always.

[@martymatfly3578]

👍

[@mariojavier3993]

have you tried Bay Leaf?

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

Hey Mario. No I haven’t. Ever since Noy Digoy blasted the nests with a blow torch they haven’t been an issue. I’ve actually never heard of using bay leaves. How do you do it? Thank you for the comment I look forward to having this explained in more detail. God bless you always my friend.

[@shawnlee3997]

Petroleum?/

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

I’m trying to stay away from as many chemicals as possible but I’m sure that would work as a last resort. Thank you for the tip.

[@peteranderson2130]

Had a typhoon yet? It's soon typhoon season..pots and pans won't save your hives.

[@beekeepinginparadise5935]

If God wants to tip my hives over there is nothing I can do to stop it. Same goes for my house. Until that happens I’ll be as prepared as I can be and say my prayers. To God be the glory and if I’m to endure tests then it will only make me stronger. It’s all a learning experience. God bless you my friend. Take care.