Author Topic: Carpet pad under beehive  (Read 1583 times)

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Offline PappyRick

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Carpet pad under beehive
« on: April 14, 2017, 08:55:17 pm »
Hey guys.  I am getting two Nuc's tomorrow to be loaded into my hives.  So, I have prepared my site by laying down weedblock fabric and intend to lay an old piece of carpet over the weedblock to provide some weedless foundation and access to my hives.  I know this is 11th hour thinking, but I wanted to get opinions about laying carpet down under the bee hives.  Input appreciated.  Anxious to get started.

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Offline yes2matt

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Re: Carpet pad under beehive
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2017, 09:19:19 pm »
If it was big enough piece it might disrupt the SHB larval stage. Depending on your weather and climate, it might get pretty moldy.

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Offline Perry

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Re: Carpet pad under beehive
« Reply #2 on: April 15, 2017, 07:54:59 am »
I agree, maybe go with some old asphalt shingles?
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Offline Wandering Man

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Re: Carpet pad under beehive
« Reply #3 on: April 15, 2017, 08:33:30 am »
They can crawl a long way. I use Freeman bottom boards with oil or soapy water and diatomaceous earth on the ground under my hives.

I recently added beneficial nematodes.

Some of the local beeks allow ants to build nests nearby. But that's not very appealing to me.
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Offline yes2matt

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Re: Carpet pad under beehive
« Reply #4 on: April 15, 2017, 12:35:11 pm »
And I'm not downing the idea, but seasonally there are significant amounts of dead bees brought out and dumped in front. So carpet might get nasty. I like me some grass and weeds, so the lizards and ants and pill bugs and slugs can get rid of the debris.

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Offline Green bee

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Re: Carpet pad under beehive
« Reply #5 on: April 15, 2017, 04:43:34 pm »
I might consider mulch over the weed block fabric. Just my thoughts.
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Offline PappyRick

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Re: Carpet pad under beehive
« Reply #6 on: April 16, 2017, 11:03:05 pm »
Thanks folks.  I ended up going with a piece of 8' X 10' piece of carpet.  I will have to watch it and I think either the asphalt shingles or mulch is probably where I'll end up depending on how nasty the carpet ends up getting.  Bees were loaded Saturday.  We're off on this adventure.

Offline rober

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Re: Carpet pad under beehive
« Reply #7 on: April 26, 2017, 06:24:56 am »
I have carpet or linoleum under all of my hives. I cover it with mulch so it looks a little better. it makes a good barrier & I've never had a mold issue. creeping Charlie grew right over it though

Offline Bakersdozen

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Re: Carpet pad under beehive
« Reply #8 on: April 26, 2017, 08:15:37 am »
I have a commercial rug that I have been using for about 7 years.  It still looks brand new. It's one of those rugs that have rubber backing and the pile is very low.  A lot of businesses have them at the doorway to prevent slips and falls.