Nuc Ventilation & Wasps

[Spikedog]

Hi - Two queries arise:

First concerns a regular National Nuc (dry lined – [radiator reflector material] for winter i.e.. internal walls and roof space.) Unlike Hives (OMF) it has a wooden floor (no roof vent) – For ventilation purposes is it to be recommended that we place matchstick/coins under roof or perhaps crown board for ventilation?

Secondly wasp scouts have arrived –apparently being held off - but this morning noted one without challenge entering and after some time exiting the largest colony (Mouse guard on). Is this a cause for concern and perhaps reducing further the entrance?

Comments much appreciated -P

 

[enrico]

Late wasps, most are dying now, wouldn't worry unduly. The only reason you need ventilation is to stop condensation. If the lining works well then that shouldn't happen but if you lift roof and see damp then use matchsticks or similar.
E

 

[Karol]

Late wasps, most are dying now, wouldn't worry unduly. The only reason you need ventilation is to stop condensation. If the lining works well then that shouldn't happen but if you lift roof and see damp then use matchsticks or similar.
E

Too early for them to be dying. Wasp colony strength is normally maintained until the last of the ivy flowers in mid November - 6 weeks left yet before numbers really start to plummet.

 

[itma]

... wasp scouts have arrived –apparently being held off - but this morning noted one without challenge entering and after some time exiting the largest colony (Mouse guard on). Is this a cause for concern and perhaps reducing further the entrance?

Yes.
And yes.

 

[user 6228]

most of the wasps round here are too busy to go after the bees... too busy on the ivy. You can see a wasp on one ivy flower cluster and a bee on the one next to it.

 

[itma]

most of the wasps round here are too busy to go after the bees... too busy on the ivy. ...

At this time of year, wasps are after carbs (nectar and honey), rather than protein (bees).
Its different when the wasps have brood. But they don't now.

 

[Karol]

most of the wasps round here are too busy to go after the bees... too busy on the ivy. You can see a wasp on one ivy flower cluster and a bee on the one next to it.

The problem willcome when the ivy stops flowering. After that you may find wasps sufficiently desparate (if the weather is warm enough) to go after the food stores in hives