Mouse guards

Install metal or plastic mouse guards over hive entrances in late fall, before temperatures drop and mice seek warm shelter. These guards have openings sized to let bees pass freely (about 9mm) while physically blocking mice from entering. Attach them securely to the bottom board or entrance reducer and remove them in spring when bee traffic increases.

Why It Works

Mice cannot fit through the small openings designed for bee passage. A physical barrier is the most reliable and proven method to exclude rodents from hives during winter, requiring no chemicals or ongoing maintenance.

Tips

• Check guards periodically to ensure they are not clogged with dead bees or debris
• Use metal guards over plastic, as mice can gnaw through plastic
• Install before the first hard frost when mice begin seeking winter nesting sites
• Ensure the guard sits flush against the hive to prevent gaps