I went around today and check on my swarm traps. I used the D.Coates 5f nuc plan. When I put the tops on them I only place a screw in each corner. Now I notice that in the middle it is bowed up a little. The width is big enough to slide a penny through.
My question is this; Would that be enough to deter a scout from being interested? I was thinking since it was wood and the scout saw daylight she might think it was starting to rot.
Upper daylight is said to be a no-no. I've never asked a bee, so I don't know for sure. :-D
In Honeybee Democracy one of the experiments was to drill numerous holes into a swarm trap and see if it made it unsuitable. It was fine with the bees. They quickly propolized the holes with no issues.
I don't think a penny-width hole under the lid will be a deterrent. Probably no/very little direct light will get through, and as hjon stated they would seal it anyway, that has been my experience. I put 6 screws in my traps, 1 in each corner and 1 in the middle of each long side.
Remaining water tight would be my concern. I put screws in the middle also.