Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Ben Framed on March 20, 2024, 01:33:58 PM

Title: Oil Pans & Pollen Traps
Post by: Ben Framed on March 20, 2024, 01:33:58 PM
Will the use a pollen trap as well as an oil pan trap (for SHB control) in the same hive be effective for both? I realize a top entrance pollen trap would have to be the choice? That considered, would the oil pan in the bottom of the hive still be effective for SHB since the beetles would now be entering at the top instead of the bottom where the pans are located, or does it make a difference?  🤷🏻‍♂️
Has anyone here tried this?

Thanks,
Phillip






Title: Re: Oil Pans & Pollen Traps
Post by: cao on March 21, 2024, 01:13:07 AM
I don't think that entrance location will make that much of a difference in the effectiveness of an oil pan for SHB.  I have been using small pans near the back of the hive and the bees still get the beetles chased into them.

I can't offer any advice on pollen traps since I haven't used any yet.
Title: Re: Oil Pans & Pollen Traps
Post by: Michael Bush on March 21, 2024, 06:05:53 AM
I don't do the beetle trap thing.  I do trap pollen.  Changing the entrance location when adding a pollen trap won't work as the bees have to work too hard to get through the trap and they will give up if it's in the wrong location.  First convert them to a top entrance.  Then when everyone is using the top entrance, you can add the trap.  I don't see why a pollen trap would interfere with the effectiveness of a beetle trap.
Title: Re: Oil Pans & Pollen Traps
Post by: Ben Framed on March 21, 2024, 08:37:19 AM
Quote from: cao on March 21, 2024, 01:13:07 AM
I don't think that entrance location will make that much of a difference in the effectiveness of an oil pan for SHB.  I have been using small pans near the back of the hive and the bees still get the beetles chased into them.

I can't offer any advice on pollen traps since I haven't used any yet.

Thanks cao.

Thanks also Michale