Locating Swarms in Buildings

JudyM · July 02, 2011, 11:28:45 PM

I heard of someone having a machine that can locate bees in buildings by sensing their heat. Has anyone heard of such a unit? If so, where would you get one? ... Judy

Tom Cannon · July 02, 2011, 11:39:23 PM

Judy,

The only thing that i can think off is a Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer with Laser for 39.99, you can get from "Harbor Freight" tools online. I've never used one but i would imagine the temp around the hive area would be higher. Of course if you used it on differant surfaces you would get vering temps, ie, Stucco, wood, etc.
I still like using a 2" piece of PVC pipe to put my ear up too. Then again sometimes my old ears work.
good luck, tom

David McLeod · July 03, 2011, 06:32:35 PM

Actually there are several devices that can detect the heat of the brood nest. The most basic is the common human hand. Infrared thermometers work and should be in every beeks tool kit (other than locating in structures they are useful for checking the cluster in the dead of winter). The most high tech tool commonly available (if you have a spare 3k to buy one) is the thermal imaging cameras.
In my experience the first to are entirely dependant on how many layers of material between you and the bees. Through a single layer of sheetrock the palm of my hand is sufficient. Much beyond that though and it is an educated guess without an thermal imaging camera. Others, though, will have to speak to their abilities as I don't have 3k laying around.

JudyM · July 04, 2011, 10:08:13 AM

Thank you Tom and David. We do have a Harbor Freight store not too far from us. I will let my husband know of your input and we will probably go see if they have one in store. If not, online will be the way to go. I think the one Tom described sounds like the one I heard about. My husband and his friend just left to remove a swarm from an old house that is going to be torn down. Along with saving the bees, we might get a good supply of honey. ... Judy

G3farms · July 04, 2011, 10:45:41 AM

Home Depot also carries an infrared thermometer, about 30 or 40 bucks, and it works pretty good.

JudyM · July 05, 2011, 07:10:10 PM

Thank you all for the wonderful information. Today we purchased a General Infrared Thermometer (non-Lazer) from Lowes Model IRT 207. It was $39.98, but now have a price reduction to $9.98. Sometime soon, we will probably go to Harbor Freight and get the Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer with Laser for $39.99. ... Judy

JudyM · July 05, 2011, 09:02:27 PM

Surprise! When we opened the package, the General Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer we bought was a Laser Thermometer. I guess, we don't have to go to Harbor Freight now. If you have a Lowes near you, you might want to get yourself one of these. It is listed on their website, so the price should be nationwide ... $9.98 (formerly $39.98). Veterans get a 10% discount at Lowes on all items, all the time, just show them your Veterans' ID. My husband has one from the VA Hospital and they accept that. He is a Vietnam Veteran. ... Judy

G3farms · July 06, 2011, 12:11:14 AM

That was a good deal for sure.

jaseemtp · July 06, 2011, 07:58:13 PM

I am off to Lowes NOW, thanks for the info

snmyork · July 07, 2011, 08:33:59 PM

Hey Judym,

I am in Clover. If they have not done the cut-out yet let me know. I can help if he wants it.

jaseemtp · July 07, 2011, 09:57:08 PM

So I went to Lowes yesterday to get the it and while they had one in stock they would not sell it to me for the pice on line. It seems they if I want it for that price then I must order it. I found it strange that they did it like that and I thought they would meet others prices. Ohh well just wanted to share that info with yall before you head to the store to get it.
Jason