Queen wasps using bate hives.

[Curly green finger's]

Hi, yesterday I noticed a queen wasp going in and out of a bate hive.
Is it worth me reducing the entrances on my bate hives I've two set up?

I've not noticed this before there allso seams to be lots more queen wasps about this season.

 

[beeno]

Yes I have had that happen in an empty hive and she started a nest. Seen many buff tailed bumble bee queens on the lawn a couple of weeks back and just got a European hornet queen in the house.

 

[drex]

Reducing the entrance will make no difference. It only works in an occupied hive by making a smaller entrance easier to guard by the bees

 

[Heather]

If near your hives then a potential risk to your bees. Wait for the queen to start building then destroy the nest with her in it.. sorry to those who love wasps, yes, live and let live... but not to the detriment to my bees.
No point altering entrance to your bait hive.. she will go in a tiny entrance... but a swarm will not.

 

[Murox]

Hi, yesterday I noticed a queen wasp going........snip.........I've not noticed this before there allso seams to be lots more queen wasps about this season.

Same here, gave one a mighty thump with a plank yesterday as it was hanging about during an inspection - - - didn't see it again

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

If near your hives then a potential risk to your bees. .

Why? usually have a wasp nest or three within yards of the hives and has never been an issue.
I have yet to (knowingly or wilfully) kill a queen wasp

 

[Curly green finger's]

Thanks for the replys, I've had to use one of my bait hives.. The one in question, no queen wasp or nest..
This season my little swarm that isn't so little anymore is using it ha! Ha! Queen wasp!

 

[Woodland bees]

I've just put up a bait hive at about head height. I noticed something inside and couldn't resist peeking in the entrance only for a queen hornet to fly out at me! Luckily I'm used to them flying around the house and garden at this time of year so I just ducked out the way.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I've just put up a bait hive at about head height. I noticed something inside and couldn't resist peeking in the entrance only for a queen hornet to fly out at me! Luckily I'm used to them flying around the house and garden at this time of year so I just ducked out the way.

Nice to see them on the increase again

 

[Heather]

Then you have been lucky, my Welsh friend.. I have had hives annihilated by wasps. Reduced the entrance.. didn't work. Closed entrance.. 50+ wasps all over the hive within the minute. I had to move the hives 3 miles away to ensure they survived. .
The hornets are much less of a problem to me..