Winter is typically a time for rest , even in the state of nature , yet it is also a time when beast become desperate for food for thought . Each geographical region presents its own challenges against predators , but in the more mild climates in the continental U.S. , predators seldom rest in winter . More southerly beekeepers might experience an addition in depredation of their hives , finding that wintertime ’s chill is just enough to make vulture heroic .
As with any domesticated or farm animal , stay fresh honeybees and their hive good settle squarely on the shoulder of human keepers . Domestic honeybee have remained largely unchanged in their behavior and makeup from their untamed counterpart , but they have an advantage that is also a significant disadvantage : They raise their young and manage their colony in boxes that we make for them , quite low to the background . Keeping hives low-pitched to the earth is in our best stake , of course . But it makes them a target for predators , large and small .
Here ’s a straightaway checklist to ensure your colonies are safe from external threat this winter :
1. Bear Fence
Black bears are the most common bear found across the U.S. , and they have a voracious palette for honeybee brood comb and honey . Think Winnie the Pooh , but without a shirt , a act less jolly and much bragging . An electrified bear fence will effectively deter bear from your apiary , if rear by rights and sustain . Situate apiaries in locations without large hang tree limb over them ( bear will climb up trees and jump down into the bee house to get in touch with the bee , effectively elude the fencing ) . Mow or trim all weeds under the fencing at all clock time ; any liberal foliation can interfere with the fencing ’s electric ability .
2. Mouse Guard
A simple metallic front entrance safety gadget can keep off rodents and other tiny critters seeking sanctuary from the cold . With holes just large enough for bees to slide in and out , the alloy shiner guard is chew - validation , and will keep stinkpot , mice , snakes and other little predators out of the hive . Just be certain to scan the hive for stowaway and remove any residentsbeforeyou instal it .
3. Raised Hives
urticaria raise off the ground can be simple yet effective impediment for predators such as skunks or raccoon . To keep thing simple and economical , use two cinderblocks per hive with a sheet of paper of plywood across them . Then place the beehive on top . The cinderblock is a good pinnacle for most beekeeper ’s backs to get a little succor , which is a incentive . The plywood is helpful in the result you need to move the hive .
The other big Apis mellifera predator , which ironically is the smallest , is thewax moth . Thankfully , the wax moth is not prolific in winter so is no drive for concern while temperature are cold . But do monitor colonies for wax moth larvae in the saltation , watching for the clean , stringy entanglement that are this predator ’s foretell card .
