Key holing the entrance??

[RangerBrad]

Howdy folks, I'll be installing my first hives(2, 4# packages) in a couple of weeks on HSC. I'll be applying Honey bee healthy and lemon grass oil to the frames at installation time. There are wild bees in the area and and after what I've heard about honey bee healthy I'm concerned about robbing from the natives. Should I put in a block in front of the entrance with a key hole entrance in it to give my new Russians a fighting chance??? Thank's, Brad

[RayMarler]

I always use entrance reducers on packages or small hives. I open up the entrance after they have built up to a full box of bees.

[mgmoore7]

Agree with Ray.  Reduce the entrance down to 1/2 to 1 inch.   The reducer does not need to be complicated or purchased, a piece of wood works fine. 

[danno]

Honey b healthy has plenty lemongrass oil already in it.  You really dont need to add more

[jdpro5010]

Agree with Ray.  Reduce the entrance down to 1/2 to 1 inch.   The reducer does not need to be complicated or purchased, a piece of wood works fine. 

I have even just stuffed grass or weeds in the entrance.  In a couple weeks or month if the bees haven't removed it you just pull it out.