How do I stop ants away from my hive's? I don't want to use any kind of chemicals so I don't spoil my honey and harm my Girls!
We have lots of black and Fire ants and piss ants all around us and over the bee yards.
if you have any idea's please message me and post on here for others to see please.
I ask this because I don't get on often but I do check my messages often enough.
Thanks allot,
Luis
i had this problem until the hive got strong enough to take care of it themselves. I tried cinnamon that other have suggested. some people say to put axle grease around the legs.
I have tied thin strips about 1 inch wide around the legs of my hive stands. I then wet them with motor oil. Ants are no longer a factor.
Old Blue
Been having ants on some recent swarm & cut outs & weakened hives. I have hive stands w/ legs in water moats w/ moat roofs in front of entrances. Also put Tanglefoot around legs periodically as ducks share yard w/ bees & muddy up the waters. Would use oil instead of water but ducks might get into. Ants still come but not in numbers as much as might have. Mike Bush said equal parts grape jelly, borax & water will lure & do ants in but still haven't tried yet. Seems like ants are a part of the hive & strong hives keep em at bay.
Cheers, David S