Skunk predation
Skunks scratch at hive entrances at night, luring out guard bees and eating them. Repeated visits can kill hundreds of bees per week, weakening colonies and reducing overwintering success. Signs include scattered dead bees, scratch marks on the landing board, and disturbed soil near the hive.
- Elevate hives on tall stands4
Raise hive entrances at least 18 inches (45 cm) off the ground using sturdy stands built from lumber, concrete blocks, or metal frames. At this height, skunks cannot comfortably stand on their hind legs to scratch at the entrance, which is their primary hunting technique.
📌 diy📌 low cost4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Hive stands, lumber or concrete blocks
- Carpet tack strip or hardware cloth at the entrance4
Place a strip of carpet tack board or a section of hardware cloth (1/2-inch mesh) on the ground directly in front of the hive entrance, extending about 3 feet (90 cm) outward. Skunks must stand on this uncomfortable surface to scratch at the hive, and the sharp points or rough mesh deter them from…
📌 diy📌 low cost4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Carpet tack strips or hardware cloth (1/2-inch mesh), plywood base, staples
- Live-trap and relocate skunks3
Set a live cage trap (e.g., Havahart 1079 or similar raccoon-sized trap) near the hive entrance in the evening, baited with cat food, sardines, or peanut butter. Cover the trap with a dark cloth or tarp to reduce the chance of being sprayed. Check the trap at dawn and relocate the captured skunk at…
📌 diy📌 professional service4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Live cage trap (raccoon-sized), bait (cat food or sardines), dark cloth or tarp