Mice in hives during winter
Mice seeking shelter and food during winter can become a problem in beehives. Mice may enter hives to nest, consuming honey, pollen, and even damaging comb. Their presence can disrupt bee colonies, especially during the critical overwintering period. Mouse infestations are more common in hives located near ground level or with large, unprotected entrances. Mouse damage is characterized by chewed combs, mouse droppings inside the hive, and disturbed bee clusters. Prevention is essential to keep mice out of hives and ensure colony survival through winter.
- Mouse guards5
Installing mouse guards at hive entrances in the fall is the most effective method to prevent mice from entering beehives for winter shelter. Mouse guards are physical barriers with small openings that allow bees to pass freely but exclude mice. They are typically made of metal or plastic mesh and…
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Mouse guards
- Elevated hive stands2
Elevating hives on stands can offer a slight deterrent against mice accessing hives, although it is not as foolproof as mouse guards. Raising hives off the ground makes it somewhat more challenging for mice to climb into the hive entrance. However, determined mice can still climb hive stands,…
📌 diy4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Hive stands, lumber or blocks
- Trapping around apiary3
Setting mouse traps around the apiary can help reduce the overall mouse population and decrease the likelihood of mice entering beehives. Various types of mouse traps, including snap traps and live traps, can be used. Traps should be baited with mouse attractants like peanut butter or seeds and…
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Mouse traps