What the? Holes??

BlueEggFarmer · June 20, 2007, 05:03:35 PM

Today I went in the back to see the bees and on one of the hives, about 1 inch from either side of the hand hold of the second deep are 2 perfectly round holes about 3/8th across chewed through from the outside as one of the holes is not finished and tappers down to a point and small opening into the hive. Did my bees do it?

Moonshae · June 20, 2007, 05:37:04 PM

Maybe a woodpecker?

trapperbob · June 20, 2007, 05:53:21 PM

Sounds exactally like woodpeckers if something is not done they will destroy the hive boxes and eat all the bees as of now you just have a little ventalation but soon the hive will look like swiss cheese. Hopefully some one has away to stop them I would use a pellet rifle but that may not be a option for you legally or other wise.

BlueEggFarmer · June 20, 2007, 06:51:44 PM

I took a picture but I have not been on this forum yet to post direct.
here it is on my webpage
blueeggfarm.com/holes.htm

SystemShark · June 20, 2007, 06:56:44 PM

If its a woodpecker - sounds like it is; you can try this "flash tape"

birdbusters.com/scare_bird_tape.html

That website has other solutions too; check it out. Goodluck!

doak · June 20, 2007, 07:00:15 PM

Sounds like a carpenter bee.
doak

Kathyp · June 20, 2007, 07:09:12 PM

i was thinking carpenter bee also. they make holes that are small and almost perfect. i have been hanging old CDs (AOL is good) to keep birds out of berries. might work if it's a bird?

Brian D. Bray · June 20, 2007, 07:28:08 PM

Usually painting the hive keeps woodpeckers and carpenter bees away from boring holes in the boxes. patch the holes with a wood filler and paint.

wayne · June 20, 2007, 08:55:29 PM

I have a couple inner covers and boxes with these holes. They were un-painted and wood bees drilled the holes. I saw one at work and painted everything after that.

Michael Bush · June 20, 2007, 08:57:04 PM

>Did my bees do it?

Not unless it's a styrofoam box...

rdy-b · June 20, 2007, 10:23:17 PM

this isnt your case im sure but i have had boxes given extra ventilation by over zealous Hunters shooting ground squriels. once i drove up to the yard and apoun aproaching the hives it looked like dysentery out break.It was BIRDSHOT,( rifel holes go staight through frames and all,) all kinds of pepole out there 8-)