securing cardboard nucs as swarm traps

wtiger · March 21, 2008, 06:19:13 PM

I just bought a few cardboard nucs. I was wondering if anyone else uses them as swarm traps and how they secure them up in a tree? I don't particularly want to nail into the tree. Would tying nylon cord around the hive and hoisting it up be secure enough or would the bees pass up a trap that swayes in the wind?

Michael Bush · March 21, 2008, 07:09:50 PM

>I just bought a few cardboard nucs. I was wondering if anyone else uses them as swarm traps

I have used the waxed ones and the plastic ones.

> and how they secure them up in a tree?

I tied them in a crotch.

> I don't particularly want to nail into the tree.

I wouldn't work very well either.

> Would tying nylon cord around the hive and hoisting it up be secure enough or would the bees pass up a trap that swayes in the wind?

I would blow down and it would sway in the wind. I tied around one end, then around the tree then around the other end. You can make this one continuous loop if you like.

Robo · March 22, 2008, 08:05:22 AM

I haven't used cardboard nucs, but I wedge mine in the crotch of the tree and lash it down with some rope. This should work for the cardboard nucs as well. Especially since the cardboard will give a little so you can get a nice tight rope.

wtiger · March 22, 2008, 04:43:14 PM

thanks for the replies. I'll give it try.

tjc1 · July 03, 2013, 02:30:37 PM

Here is what I did - pretty simple and sturdy. I lightly nailed two pieces of strapping on either side of a crotch, put a peice of plywood over the top as a rain cover, and wrapped bungee cords around and hooked them over the strapping.

BlueBee · July 03, 2013, 07:33:52 PM

Wow! Nicely done TJC. I like your setup.

Looks like you're hoping for a massive swarm too. :)

tjc1 · July 03, 2013, 08:15:35 PM

Trying to get a swarm form an old (15+ year) feral hive that is living in the woodwork of our former school building - they're the ones who got me into this whole sport after watching them year after year in the recess yard! The building, vacant now for 3 years, has been sold to be redeveloped, and I'm working with the town and a local removal beek to try to cut them out soon. In the meantime, just in case...

JP · July 03, 2013, 08:22:40 PM

Not trying to be a party pooper but they don't hold up well in inclimate weather. Keep an eye on that & all is well.

...JP