Looks good I myself just bought some aluminum angle sold at the Big box stores and local hardware store, cut it to size, drill holes in it and works just like the stainless steel ones you see for sale but cheaper..oops I mean inexpensive
Well, I believe that mice can get through a 1/2" hole. :lookout:
From Michael Bush
Mice.
Genus Mus. Many species and varieties. Also shrews (Cry ptotis parva). Mostly these are a problem during winter when the bees are clustered and the mice move in. Using #4 hardware cloth (1/4" squares) over the entrances will let the bees in and out and not the mice. Or use only an upper entrance so the mice can't get in.
Not sure why you are using a reducer and hardware cloth both. The reducer alone should be enough to keep the mice out unless you are just being extra cautious. I don't reduce the entrance but use hardware cloth for mice. I used 1/4" for years and it works okay but slows the bees down some and drags some pollen off in the spring. Last year I wintered 50+ hives using 1/2" without any problems with mice and it's less restrictive for the bees.
While 3/8" hardware cloth is uncommon, they do make it. I found some on-line but it required buying a full roll for around $150 + shipping!
SWM I read that a mouse can chew through a wooden reducer so that was the reason for the hardware cloth. Maybe it is a Belt and suspenders approach. Thanks for your comments.
You can quickly alter a standard entrance reducer by driving small nails upright in the opening. I space them at about 5/16 - 3/8" centers. You may have to nip to length with side cutters.
So I bought that corner bead, cut a couple pieces to size and drilled 3/8" holes. But I am a little concerned how sharp the edges are. I cleaned up the burrs but a little concerned that the edges could still injure the bees. Any thoughts?
I posted a picture above of corner bead that has all the holes predrilled, bought it at Home Depot. Check around for other suppliers even take a picture and show them what you are looking for, maybe they can order it.
Lose the wooden reducer part. Cut the 1/2" hardware cloth into 4" strip...as long as your bottom entrance. Fold into wedge the long way and insert. Done.
I've used them a long time and have seen no issues...isn't 40 years long enough to know?
I keep 3/8" gap year around and have had mice get in by slightly chewing the bottom of the hive body, which measured about 1/2" high. Perhaps because they had no restriction side to side they elongated to get in. With 1/2 wire restriction, I guess that could be the difference.
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