New entrance reducers

Nock · May 08, 2019, 09:30:23 PM

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I made some with a 3/4? entrance. Noticed they are having issues getting in because of other bees so made some more. I didn?t like the ones that came with boxes originally. Made these with a step to keep them from being pushed up inside. Main entrance on the new ones are 4?. The other slot is for feeder. It?s tight so bees can?t get around it to the feeder.

BeeMaster2 · May 08, 2019, 09:35:56 PM

Nock,
Looks good but I strongly recommend that you do not use entrance feeders especially during any dearths.
Jim Altmiller

Nock · May 08, 2019, 10:42:23 PM

Okay. I got to ask why? Thanks

BeeMaster2 · May 09, 2019, 12:01:11 AM

Feeding causes robbing. Entrance feeders are the worst for causing robbing. Top feeders are much better at minimizing robbing.
Keep in mind that you are not only dealing with other bees but also ants. I have lost a lot of hives to Carpenter Ants. I never use front feeders.
I just threw away about a dozen front feeders that I got from an Apiary that I purchased last year.
Jim Altmiller

Nock · May 09, 2019, 07:41:56 AM

Quote from: sawdstmakr on May 09, 2019, 12:01:11 AM
Feeding causes robbing. Entrance feeders are the worst for causing robbing. Top feeders are much better at minimizing robbing.
Keep in mind that you are not only dealing with other bees but also ants. I have lost a lot of hives to Carpenter Ants. I never use front feeders.
I just threw away about a dozen front feeders that I got from an Apiary that I purchased last year.
Jim Altmiller

Ah I misread your first response. I thought you said reducers cause the problem. Yeah I?ve already been thinking about switching to top feeders for the reason you mentioned.

paus · May 09, 2019, 09:48:32 AM

Quote from: sawdstmakr on May 09, 2019, 12:01:11 AM
Feeding causes robbing. Entrance feeders are the worst for causing robbing. Top feeders are much better at minimizing robbing.
Keep in mind that you are not only dealing with other bees but also ants. I have lost a lot of hives to Carpenter Ants. I never use front feeders.
I just threw away about a dozen front feeders that I got from an Apiary that I purchased last year.
Jim Altmiller I found Carpenter Ants in a strong hive last week. What can I do about that?
/quote]

BeeMaster2 · May 10, 2019, 12:16:37 AM

Paus,
Last year I had so many ant problems I kept an old vacuum with an extension cord. When I found ants in a hive, I would pick it up and vacuum them up. Then I would dump them in a bucket of soapy water. You have to get them all, including the egg.
Jim