Grass snakes

[cwg]

Just found an adult grass snake in a compost heap very close to my hives. Can anyone advise me if this might become a problem and if so, apart from getting rid of the snake (which I'm loathe to disturb) offer any thoughts please?


Thanks

 

[BeeJayBee]

Leave it alone, and be careful with your compost heap because it may have laid some eggs there.

Grass snakes may eat small mice, and so be of help to your bees. They're a good thing to have in the garden.

 

[Erichalfbee]

You lucky thing.
Yes, leave it be.
I remember as a child I used to catch these and bring them home. Mother not best pleased especially as I was covered in their stinky liquid they use as a deterrent. Haven't seen one in years.

 

[sean-a]

Fab! Leave the snake to its own devices.
It will keep the pests down and do you no harm.

 

[cwg]

Thanks for the advice. Yes it is great to see them in the garden and in actual fact, this is the second year we've had them in a compost bin. Last year we had two and they did lay eggs. We had ten little snakes come autumn.

That was quite a way away from where the hives are but it looks like they've re-located.

I know they eat bugs and beetles and was a little concerned they might take a shine to my precious ladies although I am well aware they can look after themselves. If it was likely to be a problem, I think it would be the hives that I moved rather than the snake.

I had thought about restricting the entrance, possible with a mouse guard but that is a little drastic if it isn't going to be an issue.

 

[Finman]

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Bees kill the snake if it goes into a hive.

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[Millet]

Why would a grass snake that eat's small Frog's / worm's and small fish go into a behive.. i'm curious..

 

[Finman]

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I have seen how bees have killed common lizards. I suppose that lizards have went on landing board and bees have attacked. Bodies had several dry stings in their head and neck, 7 and something.

 

[BeeJayBee]

Why would a grass snake that eat's small Frog's / worm's and small fish go into a behive.. i'm curious..

Nothing more than curiosity, to see if that dark and warm place is somewhere suitable to hide. Unlikely with a nice warm compost heap nearby.

 

[Finman]

Nothing more than curiosity, to see if that dark and warm place is somewhere suitable to hide. Unlikely with a nice warm compost heap nearby.

Like wasp hole in ground.

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