Mouse guards.

[Anonymous]

At some point in the fall the field mice start looking for a place to winter over. Just when should a bee keeper place mouse guards over the entrance?
What do people use and how do they fasten it in place?
Last year I used a small (1inch opening) entrance reducer I made my self with 1/4 inch hard ware caolth stapled with an arrow stapler over that entrance. I put in place about mid Oct.
But this year I am using screen bottom boards rather than the old style and the entrance is bigger with out a entrance reducer although I could faction a smaller entrance I guess.
   Al

[Lesli]

I bought universal entrance reducers. They're metal, and have holes to tack them in place, if needed, while still giving the bees room to leave. I'll try it, and let you know.

[Anonymous]

i use 1/4" hardware cloth stapled across the whole front no matter what the entrance size is.  sept is not too early mice do not procrastinate in finding a warm winter home