Darlington type entrance reduction

[maddydog]

This week I've seen my first example of an underfloor entrance being breeched by wasps. I've an apiary that is particularly plagued by wasps this year. The colony in question was queenless and weakening. I've reinforced with a couple of frames of bees and brood and moved them away. In addition I've used foam to reduce the 'slot' by 9/10ths, all is now back to normal. As a precaution I've reduced the entrances by half of all my other colonies.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

So it was an ailing colony which would have struggled to defend itself regardless?

 

[maddydog]

So it was an ailing colony which would have struggled to defend itself regardless?

Errr...... yeah..... Simply adding to the debate that although I'm a firm believer in underfloor entrances they are not the perfect solution and beeks need to monitor the state of their colonies.