At 06:39 PM 7/12/96 +0000, you wrote:
>After a week away I returned to find the grass in front of all 4 of my hives
>matted
>down and the ground scratched up quite a bit. I assume I have been having
>nocturnal visits by skunks, raccoons or possums. I have not seen the visitors.
>I understand that this can make the bees more agressive to work, but is it
>likely
>cause a serious reduction in the bee population?
>
>Has anyone had success in dealing this problem? I am thinking of placing the
>hives on 2 concrete blocks, which would get them about 16 inches off the ground
>in the hope that this will expose the underparts of the animals to more stings.
>I've heard of putting cayenne pepper or boards of nails in front of the hives.
>Do
>these really work? What about attaching a semi-circle of fence around the front
>of
>the hive?  A full animal proof fence sounds like too much trouble. If I were
>sure it
>was not a skunk I'd try trapping the animal. I don't even want to think of
>catching a skunk.
>I'm sure glad we don't have bears around here.
>
>Any ideas would be appreciated, especially if they have worked for you.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Kevin D. Parsons
>Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA
>
Hi Kevin
 
Go to your nearest carpet store and purchase some carpet "tack strip".  This
is a small board with tack points protruding about 1/4 inch to hold carpet
in place on the floor.  Nail this to the outer edge of the landing board.
These are very sharp and when Mr. Skunk scratches on the board, he will get
a nasty suprise and will learn to leave your bees alone
 
Frank Humphrey
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