Wasps nightmare

[Heather]

Hi, Long time no chat- good to be back. I have lost 5 colonies now to wasps, and, even today with December looming those wasps are still flying. As the AH is now about 20 miles away I want to buy more Apishield wasp trap floors for my nationals, but cannot find a supplier anywhere. Anyone know of a source?

 

[Sutty]

This site gives a list of stockists you could try
https://www.vita-europe.com/beehealth/products/apishield-hornet-trap/
Doesn't look difficult to build your own version either.

 

[ericbeaumont]

lost 5 colonies now to wasps

What were the hive strengths of these colonies, Heather?

 

[Heather]

What were the hive strengths of these colonies, Heather?

All on 8 to 9 frames in Nationals.various temperaments. All with full super under brood, mouse guards on with reduced entrances. I may go for under hive entrances on a few as cheaper. Although I had 14 hives but cannot update hives info on side strap

 

[ericbeaumont]

full super under brood

Likely the main temptation; risky to nadir if wasps are about, esp. if boxes are not really full of bees.

8 to 9 frames in Nationals

Not terribly strong; at that point you might have put them & the best frames into 6f poly nucs: much easier to defend when boxes are rammed with bees.