Big Fix for Cheap NUC Boxes

For the last 2 years, one of the NUC / Bee suppliers has been using CHEAP NUC boxes.   They resemble the higher quality Jester EZ Nuc Boxes – however – there’s a huge difference that’s not necessarily noticed until it gets HOT outside.

I was making splits, and had a umber of these boxes – and in mid May 2025 (yes – last week) – I noticed that some of the splits in the yellow NUC boxes had baked and died, and some had absconded.   I had tried to place a board or something onto the blue boxes – knowing that they would absorb a lot of heat from direct sun exposure – but I didn’t figure on the yellow boxes being a problem.

They were.

The Jester EZ Nucs are more expensive for a reason.   They have UV resistant plastics – so last more than 1 year in the sun.   And – they are well ventilated.

Jester EZ NUC

Jester EZ NUC – 9/64″ Vent Holes

Jester EZ NUC – 9/64″ Vent Holes

THIS is what happened to the bees in the cheaper boxes.  The boxes weren’t ventilated, and the bees overheated.

No Ventilation!!!

My fix today – is to use a 9/64″ drill bit (matching closely to the vent hole sizes in the EZ NUC boxes)     I have a set of cheap bits from Harbor Freight – and this size seems perfect.

The EZ-Nuc boxes have 27 holes in the top row,  and 26 in the bottom row.     I drew 2 lines to attempt (poorly) at a straight line when drilling the holes – they don’t have to be perfectly in line.   They just need to adequately vent heat – so there’s airflow, and the bees don’t overheat or bake in the boxes.

When the bees are moved to a real wooden box – be sure to remove any frames that may invite wax moth or Small Hive Beetle – and store indoors away from direct sun or UV light – as the light will QUICKLY degrade the plastic to dust within a season.

9/64″ Vent Holes added

9/64″ Vent Holes added

9/64″ Vent Holes added

9/64″ Vent Holes added

9/64″ Vent Holes added