What is one advantage of using an entrance reducer in a hive?

Using an entrance reducer in a hive is particularly effective in reducing the risk of robbing. Robbing occurs when other bees, often from different colonies, invade a weaker hive in search of food resources, especially during times of scarcity when nectar is limited. By minimizing the size of the hive entrance, an entrance reducer helps to secure the hive, as it allows the resident bees to defend their home more efficiently against intruders. Additionally, a smaller entrance can help maintain better hive temperature and airflow, contributing to the overall health of the colony.

While the other options may sound beneficial, they do not accurately reflect the primary function of an entrance reducer. Increasing hive size is not applicable since an entrance reducer aims to limit entry points. Similarly, it does not directly prevent bee starvation or necessarily enhance honey production; its main role is to protect the hive from the threat of robbing.