3.30 - Pests

Question 1

Green Woodpecker - how/when to protect hive

Answer 1

Protect in Autumn. The aim is to prevent the woodpecker being able to reach the hive with its beak.

• Create a wooden frame work that rests on the roof and overhangs the sides by a few inches. This is wrapped in wire netting that keeps the bird at bay.
• Need to be able to lift the frame off without difficulty should the colonies need feeding [Alternatively cover with plastic bags taking care to ensure ventilation is not affected.]

Question 2

Mouse Facts

Answer 2

Enter hives in Autumn (October) looking for somewhere warm and dry to hibernate

Mice have oval skulls and can squeeze through a 1 cm (3/8 inch) wide slot but cannot pass through the same diameter

Fit mouse guards in September before ivy flow; remove in February or March

Mouse guard should have a slot less than 8mm high or holes less than 10mm diameter

Question 3

Other mammals and birds

Answer 3

Shrews, rats, moles, squirrels, hedgehogs, badgers can disturb colonies during winter

Cattle and horses lean on hives and can overturn them

Swifts, tits, swallows and shrikes can take bees on the wing (including queens on mating flights).

Sparrows and pheasants sit on hive roofs and take the bees as they emerge

Question 4

Common Wasp/ Hornets

Answer 4

Invades nest and can wipe out colony in early August when wasp nests break up and wasps are looking for sugar

Reduce hive entrance at time of threat

Wasp traps – jars containing water and jam (not honey) - outside the entrance, wasps attracted and drown in the jar