I checked one of my hives and found it was loaded with mice (10). They destroyed the lower deep, but didn't touch the upper box. Of course the bees were dead Can a mouse get into the hive through the small opening on a entrance reducer, which has been on the hive since labor day. I always check my hives and found no sign of any rodents chewing on the wood. I better get the metal mouse guards out next year.
Quote from: garys520 on February 10, 2010, 10:07:18 AM
Can a mouse get into the hive through the small opening on a entrance reducer, which has been on the hive since labor day.
Didn't you just prove that.... :-D
If you find no other entrance into the hive, then I'd say that seems logical enough.
What kind of entrance reducer are you using?
I've been using the standard wood reducer. I'm guessing that they were already in the hive when I put the reducer on in early September and I actually "locked them in". After eating honey, pollen and wax they were definitely too fat to get back out. I noticed the wood on the entrance hole was slightly chewed on the inside. One thing I observed is that mice don't have any problems with reproduction!
I'd say they have been using the hole the whole time. If the mice wanted out, they would chew that entrance four time bigger in one night if they needed too...... ;)
Quote from: garys520 on February 10, 2010, 11:36:14 AM
One thing I observed is that mice don't have any problems with reproduction!
When given lemons..... :-D
Sounds like you got the green thumb for mice business.... ;)
doesn't matter how fat a mouse is, if he can squeeze his skull through a hole he's in. About the size of the tip of your little finger. Use a mouse guard
Another thing is that in September and October, as long as the bees can fly, they will defend against intruders in the hive.
When it starts getting cold, the mice will start venturing into the hive at night when the bees cluster, but won't stay there during the day when the bees are flying. Once the bees are clustered full time, then they'll start staying in and making themselves at home.
And they don't have any problem chewing through that wood hole. You need metal to protect them, I've had good luck with 1/4 inch hardware cloth/wire mesh, although some claim that mice can get through that, not a problem here.
I make my guards out of a 3" pc of 1/2 inch mesh folded to make 1/4 X 1/2" holes. This I fasten to a pc of 3/4 X 3/4 wood. One srcew in the middle holds it in place
I use sheet rock corner guards that already have 3/8" holes in them. Mice will not chew through it!!
Quote from: weBEE Jammin on February 11, 2010, 11:32:45 AM
I use sheet rock corner guards that already have 3/8" holes in them. Mice will not chew through it!!
That is a good idea!!!! What are the dimensions of the angle 1 X 1?
They make different styles and sizes, just go to your local Lowes/ Home Depot or lumer/building stores and check them out. The ones I use are right angled w/ 1" both side. You can screw in the bottom end holes to keep it from being moved around.
Update: After breaking the down the hive due to mice damage the smell of mouse urine was strong. I washed the wood three times with a diluted bleach solution. After a couple days it still smells bad. Should I try straight bleach on the wood or get rid of it? It's just in one corner of the bottom board.
Gary,
Leave the bottom board out exposed to the elements (rain, sunshine, fresh air, etc) for a few weeks. That will help, and even if it smells a little afterwards it should be fine, the bees will propolize it up anyway.
Rick