Thread: Beekeeping

Originally Posted by gssixgun

We seem to have an abundance of Yellow Jackets & Hornets in our immediate area would this effect me having hives ???
I know there are hives in the general area like within a 5 mile radius, so I would assume they have the same issues as I would...

Nope. Wasps are generally meat eaters, going for insect larvae and caterpillars. They're not above stealing something sweet, like your can of soda, however. But they won't compete with your bees, as they don't usually visit flowers.

It's better to use meat in your yellow jacket traps since it won't attract honeybees.

Best of luck with your hives. I have access to a piece of land about 45 minutes away from me where I have dabbled with bees. First year I made a top bar hive that ended up swarming on me and dying off in the winter. The next year I built 3 ware hives.... that didn't go so well. The hives being so far out (and me working 70+ hours a week at the time) didn't allow me to keep an eye on the hives as well as I should have. I would like to try again in a few years, maybe a backyard hive in town.

Best of luck and keep us updated.

Matt