[The Soap Pixie]

#1 I'm concerned about skunks. Is this something I prepare for beforehand or wait until I see signs of their visit to do something? What is the solution if a skunk is bothering the hive?

#2 If bees are robbing my bees hive, what should I do? What are the drawbacks of leaving the small opening in all summer, doesn't that help them from pest invasion (i.e. wasps, hornets?)

I don't live near where there are bears, what other invaders should I be aware of?

 

[The Soap Pixie]

For the record, I'm not paranoid, just trying to think of things we didn't really cover that well in class. The last thing I want is for something to happen and then have everyone telling me, "if only you had...." Marla did mention skunks and said something about putting carpet tacking in front of the hive if we live in "skunk" area but I couldn't remember if she said to do that right away or only if we saw a problem.

Thankfully rock throwing children aren't going to be an issue because our hive can't be seen from the road As for pulling out the frames too often, I'm already having sleepless nights about having to do my first inspection so for over "inspecting" I don't believe that will be an issue. LOL!!

Thanks for sharing the interesting picture naturegoods. Thanks to everyone who offered advice on what to do for the intruders and for the explanations about when they are and aren't a concern, it has been a big help!

 

[The Soap Pixie]

Thanks Steve!

Do you have a picture of that? I'm trying to visualize it but I'm not sure I'm getting it right.