Fondant eaten by mice

[Newbeeneil]

I found several "quotes" about a mouse being able to "flatten" its head to get through gaps of much smaller dimensions than the holes but no actual details of experiments on line. If you remember in Autumn Watch Chris Pacham lowered a door to 12mm before a mouse couldn't get under it.

 

[North End Bees]

Never used mouse guards at the association apiary as we had the 8mm high entrances

I agree. The 8mm high entrances are also better for the bees when trying to take out their dead. Having watched bees trying to push dead bodies out through the little mouse guard holes, a wider slot is much easier for them.

 

[simonforeman]

Mice make a mess and bees are reluctant to go anywhere the mouse has pidddled, which will be everywhere. On a warming day I would open up entrance wide and bang vigorously on the. Boxes, and the mouse might race out.
The contents of the hive are prettying much junked and I would start it all off again, chucking the comb and cleaning up boxes ( and frames if you are into that)

So would yge plan be when its warmer put queen and all bees in a new box with any frames they are fully on and rest new frames or just all new comb and feed?

 

[enrico]

I agree. The 8mm high entrances are also better for the bees when trying to take out their dead. Having watched bees trying to push dead bodies out through the little mouse guard holes, a wider slot is much easier for them.

I have the n shaped holes and not the o shaped ones on my mouse guards.if you lift the mouse guard 2 mm off the landing board there is no problem with pollen being knocked off or dead being ejected.

 

[sean-a]

Your first mouse is generally your last. The whole lot is useless. Mouse pee and droppings and honey do NOT go together. Next year use mouse guards.
E

Can you feed the honey back to the bees?

 

[Erichalfbee]

Can you feed the honey back to the bees?

No

 

[madasafish]

Is there anybody with a standard entrance who doesn't use mouse guards?

Never used MGs in 11 years - well I did on year 1 and then stopped.

I have reduced height entrances in winter and all hives are on stands with varnished/painted legs .