Tbh reducer/mouse guard

[Bush_84]

So last year I didn't do much and I found a mouse nest in my hive. This year I was thinking of using half corks for a reducer and keeping two one half entrances open. Do you think that would keep mice out?

[Steven Ogborn]

Hey Dan
This was discussed earlier this year when a new guy was thinking about building his hive.
some good ideas came up. http://www.beesource.com/forums/show...h+top+bar+hive

[Steven Ogborn]

You even got in on this one too.

[Bush_84]

Haha, ya. My main concern as I get close to fall is wondering if a mouse could chew its way in.

[Steven Ogborn]

yeah just screen it over. Even cover the plugged holes with mesh.

[Mr.Beeman]

I plan on screening mine over with 1/2" mesh hardware cloth. Bees will have no problem getting through, but will inhibit the mice.

[Steven Ogborn]

There's been debate about 1/2" hardware cloth on other threads. Some believe that mice can still squeeze through it.

[DeeAnna]

"...Some believe that mice can still squeeze through [1/2" hardware cloth]...."

The mice around here can. I need to make any opening into the hive 3/8" or smaller to keep 'em out.

I generally find white-foot mice in my TBHs. They look like the kind of mouse that Mickey Mouse was based on -- big round ears, large pop-eyes, and delicate white feet. Cute ... but destructive.

[Mr.Beeman]

Must be some awful skinny mice there in Iowa! lol
Ours might fit through, I guess it depends on how hard you push.
I know.... gross.

[DeeAnna]

You might be right, Mr. Beeman. The bad part is once they get in the hive, they get fat enough they can't get back out. That's really when the "gross" part comes in.