Wasps nibbling polyhive

[Amari]

In early October I was dismayed to see a frenzy of wasps around the top of one of my two poly-hives. The colony had been strong and is headed by a 2022 queen.They seemed to be entering the hive beneath a syrup feeder which I had topped up a week earlier. Examination showed that the wasps had nibbled the unpainted poly-feeder to create several tunnels. I removed the feeder and could see several wasps within the hive. Nibbling has previously happened on the opposing edges of my poly supers.

 

[Newbeeneil]

In early October I was dismayed to see a frenzy of wasps around the top of one of my two poly-hives. The colony had been strong and is headed by a 2022 queen.They seemed to be entering the hive beneath a syrup feeder which I had topped up a week earlier. Examination showed that the wasps had nibbled the unpainted poly-feeder to create several tunnels. I removed the feeder and could see several wasps within the hive. Nibbling has previously happened on the opposing edges of my poly supers.

I had the same thing happen last year and used gaffer tape to wrap around the feeder to thwart the wasps.

 

[robmort]

I had a similar problem, but by painting the inside of the feeder tray it stops syrup soaking into the poly which is what attracts wasps from the outside.

 

[Anduril]

I had a similar problem, but by painting the inside of the feeder tray it stops syrup soaking into the poly which is what attracts wasps from the outside.

I had similar with one of my mentees, he hadn't painted the Paynes polynuc side feeder and wasps were just starting to burrow. He used aluminium tape around the feeder because he was going away for a week, it certainly resolved the problem.

 

[ericbeaumont]

painting the inside of the feeder tray it stops syrup soaking into the poly

Yes, that stops it.

Wasps have been known to burrow right through a poly wall to get to syrup; painting the inside also prevents mould getting into the poly.

 

[Amari]

I had a similar problem, but by painting the inside of the feeder tray it stops syrup soaking into the poly which is what attracts wasps from the outside.

What paint do you use for the inside of the feeder - same masonry paint that is advised for the outside surfaces?

 

[Swarm]

Better off with gloss.

 

[ericbeaumont]

masonry paint

Water-based paint will absorb liquids. Feeder painting with gloss is a winter job, to allow time for the fumes to fade.

 

[Swarm]

Water-based paint will absorb liquids. Feeder painting with gloss is a winter job, to allow time for the fumes to fade.

You can get some newfangled, water based gloss these days

 

[robmort]

What paint do you use for the inside of the feeder - same masonry paint that is advised for the outside surfaces?

Yes water-based masonry paint works, because once dry, it no longer lets water through (of course). You can of course use any other.