Actually it should have been removing the oil out of the trays. I'm considering pouring out the oil from the trays and putting a layer of Crisco (grease) in the bottom of the pan. I'm thinking the oil will keep the hive colder longer. Any thoughts?
Not sure it would be any better. I just leave the trays in dry.
Jim
I run Freeman Small Hive Beetle oil traps. I wondered the same thing, So I contacted Mr Freeman and put the question to him.
Should I remove the traps all together or just remove the water/ oil?
His answer was that he leaves his in year round with oil/ water mixture inside..... So he rec the same for me. I am following his advice and so far so good..
I checked my traps and am still catching SHB.....
I am located in the South like Jerry.....
Shouldn't the oil be changed periodically to prevent it from becoming rancid or from attracting insects that are drawn to rancid oil?
Mineral oil
I always thought the same thing, any liquid, oil, soapy water (what I use) would make them colder. I always clean mine out and put a sheet of newspaper in it, I figure that will cover the bottom so easy cleanup come spring, and maybe the newspaper would reflect some of the warmth from the bees. My thinking was, if it's cold, you're not going to be opening the hives, therefore stirring up the beetles, so what's the use of keeping the tray filled?
I change my oil traps out, but not nearly as often . It takes a while to turn rancid in cold weather.....
I leave mine in simply because , the traps still catch SHB... At least mine still are....
I figured a thin layer of Crisco would still trap them but not retain the cold.
I guess I should have been using Crisco all along :jawdrop:
Calling all hive bettels ! here's a feast
I strained the oil last weekend; I don't do that often enough. :shock:
I was curious how much water the jar feeder I had on allowed in (I know, it is covered better now...) and checked the tray when it was cold. It wasn't tooooo bad; the oil was floating and "sludgy", but no SHB anywhere. :)
I then checked when it warmed up and they were flying again. I only saw 5-10 SHB in the oil/water. I'm guessing they worked their way into the cluster and were chased down when it warmed up. poor SHB :evil: