If you have not done so already, you should consider installing a mouse guard / entrance reducer on your hive(s). There are not too many nice days left before the weather is scheduled to get a lot cooler here in Illinois. So take advantage of a 60 degree or 70 degree sunny day in Illinois to check your colonies and while you are at it, install a mouse guard / entrance reducer.
CommentsYou can also use peppermint oil/spearmint oil to repel mice from your hives. Mice and rodents are allergic to these oils and will steer clear of your hives. Steve Petrilli 11/20/2012 7:43pm
Interesting, but when an 85 cent metal mouse guard will suffice quite nicely, why use a more expensive essential oil which would need to be replenished? 11/21/2012 5:36am
Well it is nice that people have choices when making the decision on what to use in or around their hives. Peppermint oil would only cost you roughly .02 per 3 drops. and 3 drops every time you are checking on your hives......not a bad deal if you choose to be a organic beekeeper. Steve Petrilli 11/21/2012 6:19am
Interesting, did not realize a metal mouse guard was frowned on by organic bee keepers. If you have many colonies, the mouse guard may still work out for you and be one less thing to do in the winter and you only have to purchase it once. 11/21/2012 6:28am
Never said they were frowned upon by organic beekeepers, just stated there are other choices out there for ALL types of beekeepers. . Leave a Reply | AuthorIllinois State Bee Keeper. ArchivesNovember 2012 Categories |
RSS Feed