Another reason for top entrances.

[Oblio13]

Last night I happened to shine a flashlight on a hive. Two big fat toads had climbed up on the entrance and were having a feast. No idea how long ago they'd discovered the smorgasbord, but it didn't look like either of them had missed any meals in a while.

[Santa Caras]

and they wernt being stung?  The guards sleeping on duty or what??

[Oblio13]

The guards were who they were eating. I watched them for quite a while. They were calmly sitting there, gulping every bee that wandered out of the entrance.

[forrestcav]

better reduce your entrances.

[Jackam]

better reduce your entrances.

Wouldn't it be more prudent to eliminate the two toads?

[BlueBee]

Leave the toads, they might also be eating wax moths.

I suppose you could also rework your bottom boards so there isn't a place for the toads to sit.

[OldMech]

Leave the toads, they might also be eating wax moths.

I suppose you could also rework your bottom boards so there isn't a place for the toads to sit.

   Point well made, but I think breakfast would still be toad leg omelets with toast and jelly.. THEN rework the bottom board or switch the entrance to top. :)

   Dang... now I have to go make sure there are no toads at the hives I have close to the ground :(

[capt44]

I had about the same problem with a hive last year.
Except it was a wild turkey hen sitting next to the hive and every time a bee would wander out on the landing board she'd peck at it and eat it.

[OldMech]

I had about the same problem with a hive last year.
Except it was a wild turkey hen sitting next to the hive and every time a bee would wander out on the landing board she'd peck at it and eat it.

   OH!! Much better than toad leg omelet!

[JackM]

This year I had a pair of very bold Stellar Jays that were diving down from the tree and getting straglers.  I tried a plastic owl.  No good.  When they started attacking the cats constantly around the house, the bb gun came out and a couple well placed shots at low power convinced them that this yard is not a good place to play.  I can still hear them in the neighborhood, but they stay away now.  Very, very smart birds.  Rate right up there with crows.

[Brian D. Bray]

I solved that type of problem, I used bottomless hives.  No bottom board, the bees fly in and out of the hive and the bottom frames of the hive is high enough so that the toads can't reach the bees.