Trapping around apiary

Place snap traps or live traps around the apiary perimeter to reduce the local mouse population before winter. Bait traps with peanut butter or sunflower seeds and position them near hive stands, along fence lines, and where droppings or gnaw marks indicate mouse activity. Check traps daily and dispose of catches promptly.

Why It Works

Reducing the mouse population in the immediate area lowers the number of rodents competing for winter shelter, decreasing pressure on hives. Trapping is a targeted method that avoids the risks of rodenticide poisons near bee colonies.

Tips

• Begin trapping in early fall before mice start seeking winter nesting sites
• Place traps inside bait stations or under covers to protect pets and non-target wildlife
• Use this as a supplementary method alongside mouse guards, not as a standalone solution
• Rebait and reposition traps weekly for best results