> On Sun, 11 May 1997 08:11:55 -0600 Eric Abell <[log in to unmask]>
> writes:
> >At 02:15 AM 09/05/97 -0400, you wrote:
> >>I am using a division board feeder and have noticed a bunch of ants
> >gathering on top of my inner cover.  Any suggestions on how to prevent
> this?
> >>
> >>Jim Meehan
> >>
> >Kill all the ants in the area.   :)
>
> Eric:
>
> Glad I am not an ant!  Just kidding :-)
>
> Jim:
>
> Last year, I believe, there was quite a discussion on ants.
>
> One idea suggested was to put a container, like maybe
> an old film container with small holes (smaller than a
> honey bee-obviously) in the cover and put poison inside
> & place it under your hive if there is room. There were some
> good suggestions for poison. I think one idea involved
> using Borax?
>
> Perhaps whoever suggested the Borax could pop on line
> again with the formula or what have you.
>
> Al,
>
 
Eric, assuming by the way your message was formulated that you have only
one hive with this problem (or maybe a few), I would suggest you use
some kind of physical barrier instead of using poison as any pesticide
should be used as the ultimate last ressouce only. One way that comes to
mind would be to raise your hive off the ground with a small 4-legged
table (wich can be made of recycled scrap material). Each leg goes
through an inverted can (opening downward) of which the inside has been
coated with grease or any other substance the ants will not cross (not
poison, mind you).
This brings another question to mind: could the presence of ants,
specially their formic acid, be beneficial to a hive, as I have read
often of the use of this substance against varroa mites? Of course I am
assuming (once again) that the ants limit themselves to the feeder.
 
Phil.