[MarkJP]

One of my new hives has black ants w/eggs on top of the inner cover. Every time I go to open it up to feed the hive, they are back again, even though I've dumped them all out away from the hive and crushed the eggs. I was thinking of spraying ant killer around the base of the hive, but feared that it might kill the bees. Anybody have any ideas?
TIA

 

[MarkJP]

Hi Gypsi,
Thanks for your response. I appreciate your input. I've never had this problem before. They are black carpenter ants. I've even seen one attack a bee from behind! They only appear on top of the undercover. I have the hives on individual heavy plastic mats. Each hive is placed on top of concrete blocks. I may have a picture I can post later today. It is the hive on the end of the row, nearest the woods. I'll try the Tanglefoot. I was concerned about spraying any type of ant killer around the hive. I was afraid some of the mist might get into the hive and kill the bees.

 

[MarkJP]

Yes, the plastic pad is about 2" high, so that would be easy. I've already ordered some along with the paper tape. Should be coming soon. Thanks for the advice!!!

 

[MarkJP]

you are welcome. Now - that stuff stains terribly on your bee suit but it is my best easy ant solution. I didn't use the paper tape, I just painted it on my pipe stand on the pipes all the way around them to either side of my hive. so no non-sticky path. Ants can walk on paper.

Right, but they won't be able to get past the sticky material, correct? Will it trap them like fly paper? I was hoping not to have to 'paint' it on the base.

 

[MarkJP]

paint it on the plastic board, bottom side so bees don't light on it

I can paint the material on the raised edge of the plastic base. Like I said, it's about 2" high. Maybe I'll paint it onto the top of the base about an inch or so also. The hive is placed on two cinder blocks front and back, so the entrance to the hive is a good distance from the base itself.