I am a new BK. I ordered two Freeman SHB traps for my two new hives..... Is it ok to put these on right away and leave them on year round? Even in the winter?? I am located in MS some our winters are mostly mild...
I'm not familiar with those traps. I kept my oil trap on all winter.
Quote from: GSF on March 31, 2014, 10:47:37 PM
I'm not familiar with those traps. I kept my oil trap on all winter.
Basically it's just like any other bottom board oil trap. Pretty nice looking though. Guy even shows exactly how to build one on his web site.
I have not removed my oil tray bottoms from my hives for the last 4 years. My bees have over wintered real well the last three winters.
Jim
Bet they are getting to smell, Jim. I know what you meant, just couldn't pass it up.
Joe
Quote from: Joe D on April 01, 2014, 11:32:39 AM
Bet they are getting to smell, Jim. I know what you meant, just couldn't pass it up.
Joe
Ha ha, OK I haven't removed the SBB from the hives for the last 4 years. :?
Jim
One thing is to find a way to close them up from the outside world. I had coons one year to pull out the trays one year. They were just after an easy meal.
I started last year using water with a cheap dish washing liquid instead of oil. Easy to clean, you do have to keep an eye on the level during the summer because of evaporation. Seemed to do as good as the oil for me anyway. Now this is for the pan under the SBB, not traps in the frames.
Joe