9/13/2023 0 Comments Bee hive mouse guardThink of the condensation that forms on the windows of your home inside during the winter months and how the water drips down and rots the window sill. The increased ventilation reduces the build-up of moisture in the hive, which is what kills colonies of bees in our area of Indiana. ![]() Additionally, we find that keeping the entrance open with the hardware cloth through the winter months allows for better ventilation for the bees. Putting the hardware cloth over the entrance allows the bees to come and go from the hive, but it inhibits mice from entering and building a nest. There are many mouse guards available to put on the entrance of beehives, but we use simple half inch hardware cloth. So, we at Bee Great remain vigilant in protecting our hives from invading mice. ![]() Eventually, it will be cold enough that the bees will stay clustered, and the mice will live out the winter eating honey, dead bees, and staying warmer in their nests due to the heat generated by the clustered bees. They leave during the day when it's warm and return in the cold when the bees are less active and clustered together. The bees are beginning to cluster together in the shape of a football in the center of the hives this time of year when it gets cold, and the mice can set up shop in the bottom of the hives. ![]() Autumn means mice! Just like they do in barns, patio grills, and houses, mice love to build nests in beehives. The leaves are turning and there's a chill in the air - autumn is here! While we enjoy hayrides, bonfires, apple cider, and our freshly harvested honey, it's also time to prepare the hives for the changes in weather.
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