bee bedding

[Horns Pure Honey]

I have seen many pics of people with wood chips or mulch below there bee stands, do I need this for a special reason? Thanks, bye

[Jay]

No you don't. The people you see using wood chips are probably doing so to keep the grass from growing up in front of the entrance of the hive which would hinder the bees as they enter and exit.  It probably also helps to keep the insects down a bit, like ants and beetles. But only if the chips are cedar or white oak or some other wood with insect repelling properties.  Do you need them, no.

[Horns Pure Honey]

I think I may have them put where the hives are going in the summer and maybe in the shed for the winter just to keep the place looking ok and safer.

[Anonymous]

I use cypress mulch to keep the weeds down around the hives. also  keeps the bugs away for the most part. Still have ants around but use cinnamon to keep them away from & out of the hives. This year was the first time for the cinnamon and I feel I cut the ant problem by about 95%.
:D Al

[manowar422]

Still have ants around but use cinnamon to keep them away from & out of the hives.

What is the consistancy of the spice you have used, granulated or powder?

Does anyone know if the spice on the ground would bother a dog?

I'm almost certain fire ants will be a serious problem where I live.

It would be nice if I'm able to combat them in a non-chemical way.

David

[Horns Pure Honey]

I dont think cinnamon should be a problem, my dod has eaten a snicker doodle (cookie) before.

[Jake B]

David

Also you may want to try a organic drench called Anti-Fuego soil Conditioner for fire ants. You can purchase this at Rohdes there in Garland. I have used it for the past two years and it has worked good for me.

[Anonymous]

Another benifit of the mulch is the moisture that is in them for a while after rains. The girls seem to loke to get it there rather than the bee bath I have in place for them.
No the cinnamon isn't going to hurt any animals. I take a teaspoon every morning mixed with breakfast to control my blood sugar and have been doing it long wenough that I would bee dead now if there were a problem.
:D  Al

[Horns Pure Honey]

Ok, so they like the moister from the mulch. That is good to know, thanks, bye

[TwT]

if you get ants in your hive, like on the inter cover put cinnamon on the intercover and the ant's will vanish and you will not hurt the bees. my old man years ago use to put cinnamon on the intercover just incase.

[Horns Pure Honey]

What do the ants not like about the cinnamon?Thanks, bye