>Good point.  Is everyone aware of all the risks to beekeepers out there? 

Been seeing more rattlers lately.  Copperheads
are common here also, -copperheads are 
more prone to strike quickly, -they give 
no warnings, -for this reason, they are more
feared by loggers and woodsmen.  Blacksnakes 
get caught and thrown in my hive equipment 
storage shed, -never harm a black snake.

I try and set hive blocks with the holes 
horizontal to reduce harborage for 
critters and to increase visibility under
the hive.  Grass is cut short and weed
barrier under each hive.  This also 
reduces harborage for mice which 
are favorite prey of venomous snakes.
Grass cut short several yards around
the hives gives owls and hawks a
better chance of spotting mice
running to and from the hives. 

If I die from a critter hidden under 
a hive, it will probably be from a heart
attack when a unnoticed rabbit darts 
out from underneath.

Best Wishes
j. Waggle
Pennsylvania


 

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