yellow jackets

3045 Views 16 Replies 9 Participants Last post by BjornBee, Apr 4, 2009

KRBSR13

Discussion Starter · Nov 4, 2008

Hello every one. I am new I have one hive since april 08.
I am feeding them 2 to 1 sugar and water. Today I saw several
yellow jackets trying to get in most of them were turned away
but I saw two get in. Does any one have any comments on this. Thanks

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LtlWilli

· #2 · Nov 4, 2008

Hi and a big WELCOME!!!...It's not anything I'd worry about...As you stated, most were turned away. Those that did get in probably spent too much time fighting off bees to have gotten more than a hard-earned nibble.They are not likely to return....I have seen about 5 bees latch onto a yellow jacket, and they all fell down thru some knee-high grass. About a minute later, the bees came back up and took up station on guard.

KRBSR13

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 4, 2008

Thanks again this eased my mind.

An-Nahl

· #4 · Feb 15, 2009

Throughout the summer i have major issues with the "yellow jackets" :roll: ...any ideas on how to rid them without harming the bees?

Iddee

· #5 · Feb 15, 2009

A two liter pop bottle yellow jacket trap.
Google it, there are a few variations.

An-Nahl

· #6 · Feb 15, 2009

I did use a trap.. this will take care of many but many more arrive...

... I like to work around the hives w/out having to suit up, but with these guys around I do not feel I can...

wish I could locate the nest :twisted:

Charles

· #7 · Feb 18, 2009

If you know where the yellow jacket hive is be sure to put your traps the opposite direction from your hives, the smell from those traps will have them flying towards the trap rather than your hive...

1of6

· #8 · Feb 21, 2009

Had a similar predicament this year under a lot of my telescoping lids:

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Tia

· #9 · Mar 28, 2009

You guys need to get robber screens. I love them. Get Brushy Mountains "front doors" and then cut a notch in the top left that the bees can use as an entrance/exit. Put the doors on at night after all the bees are home. When the go to leave the next day, they'll find their new "door" and reorient to it, so that they can get back in when they return from their travels. Meanwhile, the YJs will smell the brood and honey through the original front door and will try to get in at the bottom which is closed off. They never catch on that there's an entrance up top.

BjornBee

· #10 · Apr 2, 2009

If they ever do get a foothold, they also will make your hive box their next home.
Here is a frame from an entire box they filled in with yellowjacket comb.

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PCM_old

· #11 · Apr 3, 2009

Folks;
What you are showing are not yellow jackets !!

Those appear to be what is known as paper wasps, mud daubers, or perhaps hornets !!

Yellow jackets in a way resemble honey bees but do not have hair, they are slick bodied !

I said it & I think I'll stick by it.
PCM

BjornBee

· #12 · Apr 3, 2009

How about these.....

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PCM_old

· #13 · Apr 3, 2009

I'd say those are yellow jackets from what I can see.

Short story; Yellow jackets live under ground & are meaner than !?%&# I guarentee !
Had a three point post hole digger, neighbor lady ask me to dig some holes for a pole barn,
digger started to dig, hit a nest, I jerked digger out of the ground, jumped off still running tractor,
I got 5 stings, lady got 8, digger flopping around, and yellow jackets attacking it. Slipped up along side
and shut off ignition. Went back next day to get tractor.

I understand they don't die like a honey bee, after stinging either, they are good for go again !

PCM

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Iddee

· #14 · Apr 3, 2009

There are 3 types of YJ in the US. The ground dweller, the building or hollow tree dweller, and the open nest dweller. Depending on where you live, you may have 1, 2, or all 3.

And yes, they can sting repeatedly.

BjornBee

· #15 · Apr 4, 2009

Mine are the "Take over the dead honey bee colony" type...

Iddee

· #16 · Apr 4, 2009

Remember, the hive is an imitation hollow tree, which is the honeybee's natural home. That makes your YJs tree dwellers.

WAIT, this is BJORN, He may have earthen hives. I better retract my statement. They may be ground dwellers.

:lol:

BjornBee

· #17 · Apr 4, 2009

Nothing better than a "nuc surprise" for those summertime visitors...

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