Adult mice move into bee colonies in the fall and usually nest in the corners of the lower hive body away from the winter cluster. Bee colonies located near fields or at the edge of wood lots where mice are common are especially vulnerable.
Mice can successfully build a nest even in a strong colony.
They move in and out of the colony while the bees are inactive, and their nests furnish additional protection. Their activity may disturb the bees but the greater damage is to combs and equipment from their nest building.