Mice
Mice are generally only problematic when the weather turns cold. Naturally, they seek shelter and what better place than a beehive with warmth and sweet, carbohydrate rich honey. To ease mouse risk, beekeepers install mouse guards on their hive entrances in Autumn.
Skunks & like-minded varmints
Skunks, racoons and opossums are disruptive to beehives. Pest activity such as this may cause bees to abscond, or simply leave the hive box. Ask me how I know! These critters will attempt to eat the honey and even bees. Of course they get stung; where there’s a will, there’s a way. Hives should be elevated 18-24″ off the ground. Mine are typically 12″ up as hives can grow vertically throughout the summer and this beekeeper is vertically challenged.
- Laying strips of wood with nails pointing upward at the entrances may discourage these pests from approaching the hives.
- Securing lids with ratchet straps or heavy bricks can prevent racoon shenanigans.
- Motion lights and even moth balls may deter these varmints.
Bears
Bears are not a risk for all beekeepers. At JT’s Honeybees & Blooms they have not been a problem at all as we don’t have a high population in the area. They are a problem in Northern Michigan, however. Bears will knock over a hive and decimate it along with all of the honey stores. High-voltage electric fences are required before an apiary is setup. Hives should be setup at least 50 yards away from forest edges. Anything that attracts bears, such as sweet-smelling frames and honey should be removed from the yard.