Mouseguards

[casualman]

I never use mouse guards. see Edinburgh Beekeepers association website for floor plans. made these over winter four years ago and since then no problems with mice or wasps. I just amended the plans slightly so that I could slide out the OMF in spring to avoid the need to lift off the brood box to clean the floor in spring. It also allows for a quick inspection from beneath the hive with aid of mirror in winter.

 

[alldigging]

I never use mouse guards. see Edinburgh Beekeepers association website for floor plans. made these over winter four years ago and since then no problems with mice or wasps. I just amended the plans slightly so that I could slide out the OMF in spring to avoid the need to lift off the brood box to clean the floor in spring. It also allows for a quick inspection from beneath the hive with aid of mirror in winter.

http://www.edinburghbeekeepers.org.uk/filebrowser/download/542

Do you mean that one?

 

[Erichalfbee]

These are the under floor entrances that JBM amongst others has been advocating for a few seasons now.

 

[BrianO]

Very Interesting thread, one very valid point raised back there ( sorry for not referencing ) was that one would need to be wary of impeding Drone eviction.

What happens if you mouse guard and there are still many Drones to be evicted ?? As may well be the case in this topsy turvy mild Autumn ??. They cannot be dragged out and discarded.

Seems to me a big mistake to fit these before this vital process has been completed. Messing with the natural workings and balance of the colony.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I leave my portcullis mouse guards on all year round and there are no problems with drone comings and goings

 

[BrianO]

I leave my portcullis mouse guards on all year round and there are no problems with drone comings and goings

Yes, but not normal comings and goings, autumnal forced evictions would require worker and drone leaving simultaneously whilst worker drags out drone.

 

[casualman]

yes

 

[Erichalfbee]

Yes, but not normal comings and goings, autumnal forced evictions would require worker and drone leaving simultaneously whilst worker drags out drone.

Never had a problem.

 

[Swarm]

Under floor entrance for all mine.

 

[irishguy]

When putting mouse guard on for winter, does one also reduce the entrance for the winter or leave fully open even with an OMF

 

[sharonh]

When putting mouse guard on for winter, does one also reduce the entrance for the winter or leave fully open even with an OMF

Some take the entrance block out & fit the mouse guard. I leave the entrance block. My bees have them too well glued in so just fit guard across making sure bees have no problem getting in & out. I also check them regular for blockages. I can as my hives are in my garden. I you can't check them regular, take the block out before attaching your mouse guard.

 

[oliver90owner]

When putting mouse guard on for winter, does one also reduce the entrance for the winter or leave fully open even with an OMF

Think here a bit.

Would the entrance area make any difference to ventilation if running OMFs?

Where is the coldest region in the hive, whether solid floor, OMF or even no floor at all? Simple fact that colder air is more dense than warmer (all assuming same gas analysis). All assuming, too, there is no chimney effect due to gaping holes in the upper part of the hive, of course.

Of course, the width of the actual mouse guard might make things a little different - another factor to consider. Might be others to consider, as well, depending on the particular situation but leave that for you to think about.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Out. Bees can come and go easily and no need to keep checking for blockages