If I want to keep bees, I have to catch them first. My situation is more or less the reverse of what other members here are used to, that is there are no domesticated bees around (within a 200 km radius that I checked out), only feral ones. There certainly are wild ones, if not that many. So how to catch that first swarm ? Forget locating a swarm somewhere hanging in a tree, this is jungle country.
Yes, a bait hive (several, actually, in diverse locations) is the way forward. Suitably prepared with Lemon Grass and Bees Wax odors. A beautiful new home on offer for any bee takers.
Now I have a question. What is your opinion of bait-feeding near the trap hive ? By bait-feeding I mean to place some syrup in the vicinity of where I plan to put up a trap hive for the swarming season. That is put out some food on a regular basis, say a month or two weeks before the swarming season, thereby attracting bees to that area (including scouts, one hopes) and eventually to the trap hive ?
I think this may improve my chances, or at least not be detrimental to my intentions.
>What is your opinion of bait-feeding near the trap hive ?
In my experience, it will make no difference. Bees looking for food and bees looking for a home are two different things. Scout bees will notice it if there is lemongrass or old wax even if there is no honey and they will remember.
Are you familure with the Bees for Development site?
http://www.beesfordevelopment.org/info/info/topbar/better-beekeeping-in-topb-5.shtml
There are some pages on your problem and area.
wayne