Introducing Queen & Fighting Off Wasps

[NigelP]

fact it's the second biggest hive which always has the most wasp activity simply because these bees are the least defensive.

That's a very good point.

[Patrick]

2 wasps does not a siege make.....

There has to be a Monty Python sketch there surely..

Two in a minute for a made up nuc with uneven age distribution bees , no guard bees visible, a bought in queen and a post title of “fighting off wasps” suggested to me that “ignore it” was not maybe best help. My general experience is by the time most people ( no offence to Jazz here) notice wasp attention it’s already well underway.

Interesting to see about the early morning raiders. Need to look out for that, don’t get to my bees first thing generally.

[Japey Edge]

None taken Patrick! We're all friends here (I think )

I asked my wife if she minded chilling in the garden and watching the nuc. She's reporting seeing wasps going in and coming out. Might be time to tape up the entrance?

[NigelP]

2 wasps does not a siege make.....

There has to be a Monty Python sketch there surely..

Two in a minute for a made up nuc with uneven age distribution bees , no guard bees visible, a bought in queen and a post title of “fighting off wasps” suggested to me that “ignore it” was not maybe best help. My general experience is by the time most people ( no offence to Jazz here) notice wasp attention it’s already well underway.

Interesting to see about the early morning raiders. Need to look out for that, don’t get to my bees first thing generally.

I agree, but it depends on the circumstances. As soon as this nuc has accepted it's new queen and she is laying it is going to be united to hive of "lively" local bees, so it won't remain a nuc for very long.

Was on the moors checking hives this morning and saw 2 large bumble bees enter a hive unchallenged ....should I be worried /wry grin/

[Japey Edge]

[Chrisbarlow]

My general experience is by the time most people ( no offence to Jazz here) notice wasp attention it’s already well underway.


I agree Patrick. Once you notice wasps then you really do have an issue.

I checked some nucs last night and one nuc had been killed off by wasps. No bees, queen, stores or brood but a few wasps. They looked so innocent.

[Patrick]

Same as rats. “ I think l’ve seen a rat” = you already have several rats.

I actually don’t mind wasps but boy, do I hate rats. I know it’s not rational, but that has a rat in it as well so is overrated. Which has yet another rat. See what I mean?

[Japey Edge]

Took the cap off the queen cage today! Boom.

[Chrisbarlow]

When you gonna check it?

[Japey Edge]

I'll go back in tomorrow after work and take the cage out. Hopefully she'll be in the nuc and we can move to the nail-biting 5 day wait for acceptance