Which pest does not typically pose a direct threat to honey bees?

Rats do not typically pose a direct threat to honey bees in the same way that other pests do. While mice and bears can directly invade hives, causing damage and possibly leading to the loss of a colony, rats generally do not enter hives. Instead, they tend to scavenge around the hive for food, but they do not have the inclination to attack bees or invade hives as a primary behavior.

In contrast, pests like tracheal mites specifically target honey bees, damaging them and compromising their health. Mice can enter beehives during colder months seeking shelter and warmth, which can lead to the killing of bees due to overcrowding or feeding on the bees themselves. Bears pose a significant threat by raiding hives for honey and destroying the hive structure. Therefore, the absence of a direct predatory behavior towards honey bees makes rats a less concerning pest.