We can have major problems with shrews here in Newfoundland and other parts of Atlantic Canada. Therefore, in general, we cover lower entrances with 1/4 hardware cloth (wire mesh). The standard mouse guards with 3/8" diameter holes are too large; they allow small shrews to ingress and egress the hive. See https://beeinformed.org/2014/04/18/the-pygmy-shrew-a-little-mammal-that-is-causing-big-problems-in-canadian-overwintering-colonies/ *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html