Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Horns Pure Honey on December 15, 2004, 11:24:36 pm

Title: bee bedding
Post by: Horns Pure Honey on December 15, 2004, 11:24:36 pm
I have seen many pics of people with wood chips or mulch below there bee stands, do I need this for a special reason? Thanks, bye
Title: bee bedding
Post by: Jay on December 15, 2004, 11:30:17 pm
No you don't. The people you see using wood chips are probably doing so to keep the grass from growing up in front of the entrance of the hive which would hinder the bees as they enter and exit.  It probably also helps to keep the insects down a bit, like ants and beetles. But only if the chips are cedar or white oak or some other wood with insect repelling properties.  Do you need them, no.
Title: bee bedding
Post by: Horns Pure Honey on December 15, 2004, 11:41:04 pm
I think I may have them put where the hives are going in the summer and maybe in the shed for the winter just to keep the place looking ok and safer.
Title: bee bedding
Post by: Anonymous on December 16, 2004, 03:12:57 pm
I use cypress mulch to keep the weeds down around the hives. also  keeps the bugs away for the most part. Still have ants around but use cinnamon to keep them away from & out of the hives. This year was the first time for the cinnamon and I feel I cut the ant problem by about 95%.
 :D Al
Title: bee bedding
Post by: manowar422 on December 16, 2004, 03:45:33 pm
Quote from: trail twister
Still have ants around but use cinnamon to keep them away from & out of the hives.


What is the consistancy of the spice you have used, granulated or powder?

Does anyone know if the spice on the ground would bother a dog?

I'm almost certain fire ants will be a serious problem where I live.

It would be nice if I'm able to combat them in a non-chemical way.

David
Title: bee bedding
Post by: Horns Pure Honey on December 16, 2004, 05:53:40 pm
I dont think cinnamon should be a problem, my dod has eaten a snicker doodle (cookie) before.
Title: bee bedding
Post by: Jake B on December 16, 2004, 10:49:29 pm
David

Also you may want to try a organic drench called Anti-Fuego soil Conditioner for fire ants. You can purchase this at Rohdes there in Garland. I have used it for the past two years and it has worked good for me.
Title: bee bedding
Post by: Anonymous on December 17, 2004, 01:05:50 pm
Another benifit of the mulch is the moisture that is in them for a while after rains. The girls seem to loke to get it there rather than the bee bath I have in place for them.
No the cinnamon isn't going to hurt any animals. I take a teaspoon every morning mixed with breakfast to control my blood sugar and have been doing it long wenough that I would bee dead now if there were a problem.
 :D  Al
Title: bee bedding
Post by: Horns Pure Honey on December 17, 2004, 07:07:59 pm
Ok, so they like the moister from the mulch. That is good to know, thanks, bye
Title: bee bedding
Post by: TwT on December 18, 2004, 12:58:31 am
if you get ants in your hive, like on the inter cover put cinnamon on the intercover and the ant's will vanish and you will not hurt the bees. my old man years ago use to put cinnamon on the intercover just incase.
Title: bee bedding
Post by: Horns Pure Honey on December 18, 2004, 01:03:07 am
What do the ants not like about the cinnamon?Thanks, bye