Swarm trap questions

[JackM]

I have two locations within 500 yards of my house and apiary that more than likely houses a feral colony.  Don't ask me why, but I want some of those genetics in my apiary, I guess as the challenge to see what happens.

Lots of very tall trees, heavy blackberry underbrush, not many suitable ways to enter on foot.  The perimeter however does have some places I could place a trap.  I have a small piece of comb to put in now, and lemongrass oil.  We will have a fast buildup now, it finally warmed to suitable and dryer weather with a huge tree bloom now.  I gather from what I have read, I could start expecting swarms pretty soon.

So does a trap, I plan on using Nucs, need to be shaded, full sun, north side of, south side of, what is minimum height off ground, can't get ladders there.  How often should I check a trap?  These are in areas not really frequented by most morning walkers, but do have the potential to have someone walk up on them.

Pointers?  Suggestions?

Thanks

[forrestcav]

I've just started with swarm traps myself. Books say facing south to southwest, approx 10 feet plus up, partial sun. But who knows, I would put them as high up as I could get them. May be paint them so they're camo'd, reduce the chance of them being noticed. Others with more experience might be able to point you in a better direction

[AllenF]

I place mine about 10 foot off the ground so I can work with with a 6 foot step ladder.  Keep them mostly out of the sun if possible.   And they are just nucs all painted white.   I like to use shelf supports (or angles)  to screw them to the tree.    But never overlook the easy spots like up on a porch or top of the wood shed for trap locations. 

[NJClydeDriver]

Studies have shown feral colonies in the North East average over 20 ft up, so I have tried to use a rope over a branch, close against a truck so it doesnt sway with the wind, with a piece of comb.  Also have some lemongrass oil on a cotton ball in a plastic bag.  Once I find a spot that catches one, it stays there forever.  I check it 2 times a week in spring swarm season but then once a week in the summer.  I do bring a 6ft ladder so I can tie the rope off as high as I can so kids would have to try real hard to get to the rope and let it down, but on my property that has not happened, yet...

[bud1]

shaded tree edge or lone tree  forget the ladder and scruing to tree; just chunk a rope over a limb and pull it up tight to limb. when a swarm hits just unty it and let it down, preferblu at night or morning when not flying. when flying you will leave half your foragers if you move during flying time