Apiculture has  developed in to an important  industry in India  as honey and bee­wax have become  common products.  Recently a  sharp decline in population of honey bees has  been observed in Kerala. Although the bees  are  susceptible to diseases  and attacked by natural enemies like wasps, ants and wax moth, constant vigilance on the part of the bee keepers can over come these adverse conditions. The present plunge in population (