Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: ktbearpaws on March 13, 2007, 10:48:58 PM

Title: Is brood comb essential...
Post by: ktbearpaws on March 13, 2007, 10:48:58 PM
.....for a swarm trap to be successful.Or will using just "lemongrass" oil work.
From what I can tell, it is kinda difficult to come by, if you don't already have bees.
Title: Re: Is brood comb essential...
Post by: Robo on March 13, 2007, 11:10:36 PM
I wouldn't call it essential,  but it can improve your chances.   All of the swarms I have removed from walls didn't have comb to lure the bees there.
Title: Re: Is brood comb essential...
Post by: Understudy on March 14, 2007, 02:24:44 AM
I have had success using just lemongrass oil.


Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: Is brood comb essential...
Post by: Michael Bush on March 14, 2007, 08:10:45 AM
Given a choice between a box with old comb and a box with lemongrass oil, my experience is the bees will go for the lemongrass oil.  But if you really want to stack the deck "both" is better.
Title: Re: Is brood comb essential...
Post by: Beester on April 16, 2007, 09:26:22 PM
Quote from: Michael Bush on March 14, 2007, 08:10:45 AM
Given a choice between a box with old comb and a box with lemongrass oil, my experience is the bees will go for the lemongrass oil.  But if you really want to stack the deck "both" is better.

How much lemongrass oil should be used per box and how often does it need to be re-applied? Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Is brood comb essential...
Post by: Understudy on April 16, 2007, 09:48:17 PM
I do a tablespoon spread over the inside and I do not reapply.

Sincerely,
Brendhan
Title: Re: Is brood comb essential...
Post by: Michael Bush on April 16, 2007, 10:29:19 PM
>How much lemongrass oil should be used per box and how often does it need to be re-applied?

I do four or five drops on the top bars (if there are frames).  It would probably be good to reapply it in a month.  I never have.  I just do it once when I set them.