Hive stand legs in bucket of oil

preston39 · May 09, 2011, 12:53:45 AM

A..... "back yard'... used to be.... bee keeper..... says to put hive stand legs in a gal bucket of used oil. Says it keeps ants and others away/reduced.
Any thoughts?

annette · May 09, 2011, 01:58:14 AM

When I first started out I had the legs of the stands in coffee cans filled with motor oil. It was terrible because the bees got into it and the whole thing filled up with dead bees. Had to remove them. Lets hear from others and their experiences.

Annette

joebrown · May 09, 2011, 02:29:08 AM

I have tried putting oil on the legs with a paint brush, but the ants just crawl through it. So I would not try that!

wd · May 09, 2011, 05:44:59 AM

it's been done by many, if I was using that method I'd use a collar on the legs made of hardware cloth to help keep the bees from falling in, some use plain water. Tangle foot maybe just as good. Feeding not to attract them where you don't want them helps too.

Bamabww · May 09, 2011, 07:10:00 AM

I had the same experience as annette; the oil filled moats around my hive stand legs filled up with bees. I covered them and have painted "Crisco" on the legs with some success.

Jim134 · May 09, 2011, 08:01:09 AM

Quote from: annette on May 09, 2011, 01:58:14 AM
When I first started out I had the legs of the stands in coffee cans filled with motor oil. It was terrible because the bees got into it and the whole thing filled up with dead bees. Had to remove them. Lets hear from others and their experiences.

Annette

I had the same experience as Annette; I did it in 1957 and will not do it again just my $0.02

BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

asprince · May 09, 2011, 08:05:01 AM

Ants are a big problem in my area at times. When they get started in an area they are relentless. I have tried the cans of oil under the legs but that is not the answer. When I have a problem, I use a granular ant bait sprinkled around the hive. I follow the ant trail and put the bait as far away from the hives as possible. This has worked for me.

Good luck,

Steve

VolunteerK9 · May 09, 2011, 09:27:14 AM

Way too much drowning for me.

Ive resorted to buying cheap, ground cinnamon from the dollar stores. Sprinkle liberally on the ground and on top of the inner covers.

preston39 · May 09, 2011, 10:07:46 AM

I am reminded.... and I forgot to include :roll:..........he had a small metal hood around each leg to help prevent bees entering and to keep rain out.