Mouse in the Bee Yard

[Marion]

Yesterday Ward saw a mouse in the bee yard. He wasn't sure if it fell out of a hive but it just appeared there and looked stunned. Then it took off. Made us think that the mice are wanting to come in now with these cool nights. I read something online that said the bees can defend their hives against mice as long as they are still active. It is when they form their winter ball of heat that they can't fend the hive. So I think I can wait on the hardware cloth over the entrance while they are still very active with the fall storage. They do not like to go through the hardware cloth.  It slows them down. There is a lot of in and out traffic right now.

[LazyBkpr]

   I reduce entrances when I winterize, and always look to insure no mice have taken up residence. Like you said, I don't usually have much problem as long as the bees are active.

[riverbee]

marion, it's possible the mouse was checking out future warmer winter quarters,  and the bees stung the mouse.  as has already been said, with a strong hive, and the bees active, you shouldn't have a problem with mice getting in.

[CpnObvious]

Search for mouse-related defenses and suggestions for winterization.  Ask questions regards unfound answers: CHECK