Beehive Ant Moat

Beehive legs that block ants from getting into the hive.

Instructions

You'll probably need to print 4 of these (one for each corner of the beehive stand). If you print them solid (100% fill), the legs should come out very strong so that they can support the weight of a full beehive BUT be sure to test them before using them on the hive.

If you decide to permanently attach the legs, each one will just need a screw and washer to fasten it through the center hole and into the wood of the beehive. After leveling your hive, you can add water, oil or some other substance into the moat of the leg. That'll block ants and other crawling insects from marching up into the hive. The legs will need to be checked periodically to make sure something isn't laying across the moat or that the ants haven't sacrificed themselves as bridges for the colony.

Update (April 23rd, 2015) - I've added a rain cap that goes over the leg to keep rain from washing away the oil or other things you put in the moat. The small circle cutout can be rotated into position for viewing or filling the moat and then rotated again to hide it.

Update (March 7th, 2016) - I've added a second rain cap. This one is removable. I found that it was too hard to clean bugs and dirt out with the original rain cap. I'm also trying water this time. I'll have to replace it more often but it shouldn't get things as gummed up as with the canola oil.

Category: Outdoor & Garden

(Originally posted in 2015 on Thingiverse)