woodpecker protection

[Cuckmere couple]

what is the easiest, most straightforward method of protection from woodpeckers?

be intrigued to hear approaches to this

thanks in anticipation

(i was thinking of some chicken wire nailed to a couple of pieces of pallet placed around hive, but thought id ask before setting about it)

 

[madasafish]

chicken wire.. whcih looks horrible.

I have started using fibreglass resin on roofs...v tough...

 

[masterBK]

Plastic mesh strawberry netting (easier to store, cover and uncover hives compared with chicken wire)

 

[iann41]

I use this.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/capital-valley-plastics-ltd-damp-proof-course-black-30m-x-450mm/59882


Just staple it to the outside and over lap a little. Make sure the entrance is clear. Keeps rain and wind out and is UV protected. Can be left on all year round if single brood box or taken off and stored if using double brood. Lasts years. comes in 300mm also .

 

[Cuckmere couple]

thanks all

exactly why i asked, very helpful

attracted by the strawberry netting as easy to store....

masterBk

do you just leave it loose rather than pin down at the sides etc? seen the bricks on top...

 

[masterBK]

Leave it loose. Bricks are there mainly to keep the roof from being blown off but also keep the netting more or less in place.

Alternatively I use the outers from growbags with strips that move in the wind (stops them getting a grip and green woodpeckers are rather nervous birds and easily put off by movement).

 

[Cuckmere couple]

Leave it loose. Bricks are there mainly to keep the roof from being blown off but also keep the netting more or less in place.

Alternatively I use the outers from growbags with strips that move in the wind (stops them getting a grip and green woodpeckers are rather nervous birds and easily put off by movement).

excellent

thanks for that

 

[birdsandbees]

I'm currently working on some slip over covers made from pond liner, my hives are all Poly and easily damaged by Professor Yaffle. Having stabbed the crap out of it with a sharp screwdriver and not broken through it and only dented the poly slightly I'm confident they will do the job and will be so easy to flatten, store and reuse each year.
I've tried fruit netting and last year made lots of chicken wire cages but they are a pain to store, should I need to add fondant mid winter, give winter Varroa vapes these covers will be perfect.