Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => DISEASE & PEST CONTROL => Topic started by: DoctorZ on May 05, 2012, 10:01:30 am

Title: Micro Ants on Inner Cover
Post by: DoctorZ on May 05, 2012, 10:01:30 am

Beemanster Greetings!

A couple of my hives continually have very small ants (with ant brood) on the top face of inner cover, ie between the inner cover and the telescoping cover.

I sweep them away at every inspection, but the devils quickly return - even in 12 hrs!

The  girls seem to take them in stride, but I would prefer not to have the ants. I have been spring feeding the bees, and I suspect that it has contributed to the attractions. However, I plan to suspend bee feeding in preparation for the honey flow.

Any thoughts on small ant control? Should I live with it issue?  I would prefer not the use chemicals etc.

Thanks all,

George

Title: Re: Micro Ants on Inner Cover
Post by: buzzbee on May 05, 2012, 10:11:37 am

Cinnamon on the ground under the hive.Ants don't like it and bees tolerate it.

Title: Re: Micro Ants on Inner Cover
Post by: Michael Bush on May 06, 2012, 01:23:46 am

I do what you've been doing. Dump them on the ground and do my work.  They don't seem to bother the bees.  They like the space because it's warm when the sun is out to incubate their brood.

Title: Re: Micro Ants on Inner Cover
Post by: texjim on May 12, 2012, 11:46:16 am

i take a small propane torch and burn them as long as the bees are not near.. will have to try the cinnamon

Title: Re: Micro Ants on Inner Cover
Post by: AliciaH on May 17, 2012, 10:55:44 pm

Swap your inner cover/telescoping cover for a migratory top for a bit.  Get rid of the living space.  You can swap them back after you have convinced the ants that the glorified condo is gone.