Skunk Feeding and Prevention

Skunks visit the hives at night feeding on honey bees that come out to investigate their presence. The activity of the skunks is tipped off by the muddiness about the entrance. A hardware cloth mat placed under the front of the hive will stop skunk feeding activity. Cut a piece of one-half inch hardware cloth 18 inches by 24 inches. Place the hardware cloth on the hive base under the hive. The hardware cloth should extend two inches beyond the sides and eight to 12 inches beyond the front of the hive. The skunk will not feed at the entrance of hive protected by the hardware cloth mat.