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Another swarm-trapping question

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Margaret Krome

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Apr 21, 2025, 2:09:33 PMApr 21
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Hi friends,

After our excellent meeting two weeks ago, I made two dead-outs into swarm traps.  But I’m unsure about something.  Seems to me that while waiting for a swarm to (maybe) come into these hives, all of that empty space and honey combine to create a definite lure for mice.  Do people put ¼ inch hardware cloth over the hive entrances to these traps or just leave them open and hope for the best?

Thx,

mk

 

 

Greg V

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Apr 21, 2025, 2:17:54 PMApr 21
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I use 1/2" cloth on all my equipment by default and always.
The cloth must be just installed once and for all and no questions asked.
No mice ever for me.

IF an occasional shrew squeezes thru - the shrews are not interested in the combs that much.
Shrews eat bees, preferably live bees.

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Margaret Krome

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Apr 21, 2025, 2:26:35 PMApr 21
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Thank you, Greg.  I’ve understood that mice can enter through a 1/2” opening.  That’s not been your experience?

mk

 

Joseph Bessetti

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Apr 21, 2025, 2:28:54 PMApr 21
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Hi Margaret,

If it's a standard (lower 3/4" hive front) entrance, then I would reduce it to the 3-4" slot first.  On its own that will often keep mice out, but you could put screen over the opening to keep them chewing their way in.

I've not had many mice in my swarm traps this time of year. I tend to use a 1" hole or a 5/16 slot on the upper third of the box instead of a lower entrance. I also hang my traps up off the ground where mice are less likely to access them.  It may also just be that mice aren't as much of a problem during spring/summer.  

Joe
From: mad...@googlegroups.com <mad...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Margaret Krome <margare...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 1:09 PM
To: mad...@googlegroups.com <mad...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [madbees] Another swarm-trapping question
 
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Greg V

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Apr 21, 2025, 2:31:17 PMApr 21
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Like I said - never.

Shrews a couple of times.

Margaret Krome

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Apr 21, 2025, 2:32:00 PMApr 21
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Thanks, Joe.  I did reduce the entrance, and I do have a round entrance up higher.  Do you think the screening impedes a swarm from taking up residence?

mk

 

Joseph Bessetti

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Apr 21, 2025, 2:39:56 PMApr 21
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No, screening won't inhibit a swarm taking up residence as long as you don't accidentally use too small of screen. 

If you have a round entrance up higher, I'd block the lower entrance entirely.  

Joe
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 1:31 PM

Greg V

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Apr 21, 2025, 2:41:46 PMApr 21
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Which means, btw - 1/4" cloth in a swarm trap entrance is not a good idea. :)

Joseph Bessetti

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Apr 21, 2025, 3:15:51 PMApr 21
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Why?  You don't think queens can get through 1/4" hardware cloth?
From: mad...@googlegroups.com <mad...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Greg V <voro...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 1:41 PM
To: mad...@googlegroups.com <mad...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [madbees] Re: Another swarm-trapping question
 

Greg V

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Apr 21, 2025, 3:26:53 PMApr 21
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Depends on a queen, right?
Why chance it without a real need for it?

Joseph Bessetti

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Apr 21, 2025, 3:36:26 PMApr 21
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No, actually, it does not depend on the queen.  They can get through 1/4" hardware cloth.

Joe
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 2:26 PM
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