Entrance reducers.....

SteveSC · October 16, 2006, 01:49:20 PM

Mice are everywhere and they like to be warm too. In the fall and winter month most of us would agree we probably need something to keep the mice out of the hives.....reducers and\or screen.

As far as reducing the entrances for the cold winter weather - keeping down drafts etc..., when is the time to do that and by how much would you reduce the entrance.....?

Is it primarily according to the temps. - winds , fall flow , etc...? Thanks.

Brian D. Bray · October 16, 2006, 05:01:48 PM

Strips of 1/2 inch hardware cloth work well as mice guards.
As far as entrance reducers are concerned I use a 3/8 inch entrace rather than the normal 3/4 (which also tends to keep the mice out) so I just slip a short wood strip into the entrance when I think it's necessary.
Drafts can be reduced by making sure the hive is orientated so that the entrance on the south or east side of the hive, narrower opening help also.
Moisture is more deadly than drafts--a SBB (no tray) with a top entrance (3/8 inch opening) ventilates the hive enough to allow the moisture to escape without chilling the bees.

SteveSC · October 16, 2006, 08:47:59 PM

Thanks Brian.. On that 3\8" top entrance --- would you have one on both front and back of the brood chamber or maybe just one on the South side of the hive.

It's not quite time for the reducer yet...the bees are still active and I still have tomato plants bearing...

Has the weather turned cold where you are..?

Michael Bush · October 17, 2006, 07:48:38 AM

I'd put the top entrance on the same side as the bottom entrance. You don't want the wind blowing in one side and out the other.

I'd use 1/4" hardware cloth for mouse gaurds. I'd put them on NOW here. You don't want to put them on AFTER the mice have moved in. Once the fall flow is over, I reduce entrances if there's robbing. That's the main reason for reducing the entrance.

Of course if you get screened bottom baords for bottom ventilation (with the tray in over winter) and only a top entrance, you don't have to put on mouse guards, or shovel the snow away from the entrances, or worry about them getting clogged with dead bees...

Kathyp · October 17, 2006, 12:02:52 PM

QuoteOf course if you get screened bottom boards for bottom ventilation (with the tray in over winter) and only a top entrance, you don't have to put on mouse guards, or shovel the snow away from the entrances, or worry about them getting clogged with dead bees...

about the screened bottom board...i was under the impression that most of you left the bottom tray out even over the winter. now i'm a bit confused. in, or out? if the tray is in, do you end up with a moisture problem? especially if you are reducing the entrance? is a small hole near the top enough for moisture escape?

we have very wet winters, and often very cold. last year was a warmer, dryer, exception. even so, i had condensation problems in the hive in April before i knew to take the tray out. no matter the temp, we have WIND!

Robo · October 17, 2006, 12:42:20 PM

Quote from: kathyp
about the screened bottom board...i was under the impression that most of you left the bottom tray out even over the winter. now i'm a bit confused. in, or out? if the tray is in, do you end up with a moisture problem? especially if you are reducing the entrance? is a small hole near the top enough for moisture escape?

I put the bottom tray in mine mid-October and don't remove it to late May/early June. An upper entrance 3/8" x 2" is the only entrance I use for the winter and it provides sufficient ventilation. I close off the lower entrance some time in November and don't open it until nightime temperatures are above 40 in the spring.

I find having the tray in place lets the bees raise more brood earlier in the spring as they can keep it warmer. Although the days can be nice in the spring, night time temperatures can reduce the amount of area the bees can keep warm for brood.

Brian D. Bray · October 17, 2006, 09:22:15 PM

The tray on the SBB is not necessary, consider: with a tray in place moisture and SHB can still get back up into the hive, without the tray the moisture and all parasite fall out of the hive permenately.

Any entrances should be placed on the same side of the hive, for the reasons MB states. When I use top entrances I put on a SBB that has no entrance at all. All entrance openings are 3/8 inch.

Michael Bush · October 17, 2006, 10:39:30 PM

>about the screened bottom board...i was under the impression that most of you left the bottom tray out even over the winter. now i'm a bit confused. in, or out?

Mine are in.

> if the tray is in, do you end up with a moisture problem?

No. The tray is not air tight it leaks around the edges and there is a top entrance to let the hot humid air out, on my hives.

> especially if you are reducing the entrance?

Mine is reduced to nothing.

> is a small hole near the top enough for moisture escape?

How small? Mine are at least three inches by 3/8".

Jeff L · October 18, 2006, 01:55:20 AM

From running a grain warehouse I can tell you that mice can climb anything like crazy, swim like crazy, and squeeze into the smallest of holes/entrances like crazy. Plus they procreate like crazy, even in winter. Doesn't matter that your hive is on a stand. If they want to get in for a winter homestead, they can and will. If you think mice may be a problem, then you should take precautions for them. My .02 worth.

Jeff

Robo · October 18, 2006, 09:13:56 AM

Quote from: Jeff LI can tell you that mice can climb anything like crazy, swim like crazy, and squeeze into the smallest of holes/entrances like crazy.

They do have amazing abilities. Five gallon buckets seem to be a challenge to get out of :twisted:

Good advice....

randydrivesabus · October 18, 2006, 09:18:48 AM

Quote from: Robo
They do have amazing abilities. Five gallon buckets seem to be a challenge to get out of :twisted:

this is not always true....there are some mouse droppings in the bottom of the bucket i use to carry out food to the chickens but no little furry friends.

Robo · October 18, 2006, 09:32:52 AM

Quote from: randydrivesabus
this is not always true.....

That is why I said "Challenge". I'm sure some do, but many do not :lol:

qa33010 · October 18, 2006, 11:01:02 AM

I've watched them critters jump out of the most unlikely places.

David

Kathyp · October 18, 2006, 11:40:39 AM

put water in the bottom of the 5 gal bucket. works every time. i have a drippy pipe in the well house and about once a month, i find a dead mouse in the bottom of the drip bucket.

thanks for the answers. with the amount of wind i get, i'm thinking that closing the SBB is a good plan. i can always keep an eye on it for moisture and pull it on that rare warm day.