I am currently doing a trap out next to a pool. There were 2 entrances / exit 18' up the tree. I closed one and on the second entrance put my screen cone out and it is working fine. My problem is I couldn't get my hive box that high up in the tree because of the location and various other issues. I instead put my hive box 6 feet up the tree. I added a frame of brood comb and honey inside the box and a little bit of lemon oil. I have seen some bees going into the hive box but most are still staying 18' up. Any suggestions?
Find a way to get it up there. They will start building comb outside the screen rather than take up in the box.
It is a 10 frame hive that I have hung on the tree. Should I consider a wooden 5 frame nuc instead to lower the weight? If I go with a 5 frame will they fill it up quickly?
You can use a 5 frame and exchange the frames as they fill.
Yes, it will fill quickly.
Get some rigid construction foam and make some boxes for trapouts and swarm calls. Permanently attach a foam bottom board. Paint them to protect them from uv. I even put in the step for the frame rest, they hold up for multiple seasons. I suggest using long deck screws along with the glue for strength and to prevent shifting. They will make you work in these situations MUCH easier.
JC
Another option is to drill a new hole at the height of your box to see if the tree has rotted down that far. Add a cone. Then open up the top hole and let the bees in and then plug it up.
You can also do this at the about head high from the ground so that you do not have to climb the tree.
After you drill the hole you may have to wait a while for the bees to find it. Do not plug up the top hole until you verify they have access to your new opening. Make the hole about 1".
Jim
I ended up running down to Home depot and buying a 3 foot section of L shaped steel angel iron. I also bought some rope and pulley that were both rated at 240 lbs. I bolted the angel iron to the tree about 2 feet above the screen exit I had made and then rigged the pulley and rope to the hive body. I was able to hoist the hive body up so that its entrance was less than 3 inches from my exit screen cone. I added a frame of eggs and larvae to the box plus a little lemon oil. It seems to be working out well. Thanks everyone for the help and advice!!! :bee: :bee:
A caged queen in the trap out box might also help.