Skunks

I've just started reading the threads in this forum, so I don't know if this has been addressed yet, but I would dearly love some advice on skunks. This was the conclusion an experienced beekeeper came to about my three abandoned hives. My husband has caught and rehomed any number of skunks over the years, but they just keep a-comin'. We have a resident skunk on the property now, who appears regularly digging around in our pastures, and has resisted all types of bait in the live animal trap.

I need advice on the best way to deter them. I thought kept them somewhat at bay with skunk guards, but some of them can be pretty odoriferous. I can't tell you how many nights we've been awakened by skunk smell through the windows (open and closed!).

Here's my skunk guard that apparently didn't work.



Suggestions? Advice? Skunks are my biggest hesitation in trying bees again.

I've always placed my hives on a stand at least 18" off the ground. though I've never seen it happen, my understanding is that this forces would-be bee predators (like skunks) to stand up and expose their bellies to being stung. that I've never had a skunk problem obviously doesn't prove that this is effective, but it's easy enough to try and has several other advantages, too.

Thanks Tel. That's a good idea. I need to rethink my entire approach if I'm going to get bees again.

this won't help you with skunks, but that's a nice looking hive.

We have skunks on our property, I smell them regularly.. didn’t know they would be an issue with bees. I’m still in the planning phase for our beekeeping practices. What do the skunks do to the bees?

I totally agree - raising the hive up is the way to go. I had one hive killed by skunks. It had entrance close to the ground. Now having all my hives on stands 16" - 18" tall resolved the problem and no more skunk damage ever.

Random thought on skunks in general: I have seen full grown big skunks go through a hole 1.5 inches by 3.5 (where an outlet was removed) That fencing you have there is absolutely not skunk resistant at all. They are a member of the weasel family, and are incredibly flexible. If they can get their skull though a hole, the rest of the skunk can generally fit.

And with all of their fluff, I'm not sure getting stung is an issue, their fur is like a very densely long haired cat, petting them you can't see skin even if you try. I  think it would really slow down bees being able to hurt them except for their faces. I have never seen skunks vs bees, I may be wrong, but I have petted and carried around skunks, and I can't imagine much getting through that fur.

I agree, beautiful hive you have there! :D

Joy Bee wrote:What do the skunks do to the bees?

eat them.