View Full Version : Yello Jackets
GA-BEE
08-18-2004, 08:20 AM
I noticed that there are yellow jackets eating on the few dead bees in from of my hives. Should I be concerned? I have heard that yellow jackets will try to get into hives. I haven't seen any trying to get in the hive or bothering the bees in any other way.
loggermike
08-18-2004, 09:15 AM
We are having the worst yellow jacket season here in years.They are bothering everyone and you cant feed the dogs till after dark.But while they harass the bees constantly ,they are no threat to any but the very weakest of hives-the ones that arent going to make it anyway.
Michael Bush
08-18-2004, 09:17 AM
You can set traps for them. search on "Yellow jackets" and see all the discussions and recipes.
loggermike
08-18-2004, 12:44 PM
we have homemade traps out all over the yard-there is just an endless supply of them!
I watched one chew the abdomen off of a gimpy worker bee on the ground in front of my hive. It took several minutes, the yellow jacket took off with the abdomen and the head and thorax continued to walk around until I put it out of its misery.
Michael Bush
08-20-2004, 10:11 PM
>we have homemade traps out all over the yard-there is just an endless supply of them!
Yes, but there is something satisfying about seeing them die after you've seen them killing your bees. http://www.beesource.com/ubb/smile.gif
Robert Brenchley
08-23-2004, 04:54 AM
Put your hives on mesh floors, and give them permanently reduced entrances - mine are about 4 inches across by 1/4 inch deep. That enables the bees to keep most of the wasps at bay, and they only become a problem when a hive gets seriously weak. Another idea with a weak hive is to close the entrance right down small with bits of cardboard. As it grows stronger, the bees chew the card back to enlarge the entrance.
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Regards,
Robert Brenchley
RSBrenchley@aol.com
Birmingham UK