Ants deterrent cups on my Flow Hive base - directions for use please!

Pests and Diseases
1

What is the best way to use the ant deterrents that are on the legs of my Flow Hive bases, i.e. How do they work?

2

I would use mineral oil in them. Make the gap between the 2 pieces about 1/4 inch. You dont want your bees to fit through.

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3

Thanks. I will let you know if it stops the big black “sweet ants”. They seem like they could span the 1/4", but we’ll see!!

4

The ant guards on my flowhive have yet to fail me. On my hive that doesnt have ant guards i mixed borax and sugar, then i sealed it in Tupperware and poked ant size holes around the bottom with a grill skewer. It took care of them fast. ( use caution, it can kill bees just as fast! )

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5

I’m trying this idea and it appears to be working. Cut a plastic cup to size with scissors. Then cut down to the bottom and make a hole about the size of the hive leg. I taped the cup on the outside and sealed the top with petroleum jelly. I’m thinking about how to make something like this a more permanent solution.

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6

Hi cam,
I’ve had an ongoing problem with ants (larger ants). The ant guards that go on the flow hive weren’t big enough to stop them from jumping over. In the end, I opted for this for two of my hives (on a stand). So far I haven’t had a single ant get into the hives. All other methods I’ve tried, so far have failed or require (too) regular reapplication. These ants are very persistant, have a mean sting, will wipe out a colony, and operate at night so you don’t necessarily know there’s a problem until you take the roof off a hive. There is engine grease on the underside and the whole stand leg sits on the block.
Good luck with your method!

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7

This looks great! I also resorted to making a trap of borax/sugar with holes only ants can enter. How long has your method been working?

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8

Thanks! It’s been on for about 6 months without reapplication. Having said that, it’s winter here and the ants hibernate moreso than the bees. I’ll be reapplying in spring and should get away with two applications a year :crossed_fingers:
I’ve tried the borax before and although I got small ants in there (not really an issue here), the big ones weren’t interested. It’s also a fine line with the hole sizes between these ants and the bees.

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