Mice in hives during winter

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 are attached to the hive entrance in late fall before cold weather sets in. Mouse guards should be removed in the spring to allow for unimpeded bee traffic during warmer months. Using mouse guards is a simple, inexpensive, and highly reliable way to prevent mouse infestations in hives during winter.

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, especially if they are rough or offer good grip. Hive elevation alone is not a reliable primary mouse prevention method but can contribute to an integrated pest management approach when combined with mouse guards and trapping.

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 placed near hive stands or in areas where mouse activity is observed. Caution should be exercised when using traps, especially if pets or other non-target animals are present. Trapping is a supplementary method to mouse guards and may be more effective in reducing mouse pressure around the apiary.