I've started using the Walter T. Kelley metal disk entrances on swarm traps. I'll tell y'all how I mount them and I'm looking for ideas on how others do it. I drill a 1/8" hole and drive an 8X32 screw, 1" long, from the inside of the box. It's hard to get started but once you do, you can drive it home with a drill. Then I push the disk on the outside, it's a tight fit, and drive it home with an 8X32 wing nut. To select the desired entrance just loosen the wing nut half a turn and turn the disk, then tight the wing nut. Any other ideas out there?
I"ve tried the plastic disks but they don't last in the sun and were hard to get for a while. I made my own for a while but that got old. These metal disks will outlast the boxes on which I install them and will probably end up in my will.
I use the metal discs on all of my wooden nucs. They're great fo swarm catchers and are easily moved.
I just screw through the mounting hole with a 1/2" x #6 screw and tighten until I have the right friction to keep them from moving but can still be turned by hand.
If you install them on freshly painted boxes they tend to stick a bit but rubbing bees wax on the box before installing solves that.
Scott
I spray paint mine with different designs and colors. I place a stainless washer in between the disk and the box so it turns easier and doesn't stick. I also drill my hole at the top of the disk. That way if I forget to tighten one it swings to the open hole. I found one that had been closed for a week once.