Freeman SHB trap?

labradorfarms · March 30, 2014, 11:43:19 PM

I am a new BK. I ordered two Freeman SHB traps for my two new hives..... Is it ok to put these on right away and leave them on year round? Even in the winter?? I am located in MS some our winters are mostly mild...

GSF · March 31, 2014, 10:47:37 PM

I'm not familiar with those traps. I kept my oil trap on all winter.

drlonzo · April 01, 2014, 12:49:53 AM

Quote from: GSF on March 31, 2014, 10:47:37 PM
I'm not familiar with those traps. I kept my oil trap on all winter.

Basically it's just like any other bottom board oil trap. Pretty nice looking though. Guy even shows exactly how to build one on his web site.

BeeMaster2 · April 01, 2014, 06:27:04 AM

I have not removed my oil tray bottoms from my hives for the last 4 years. My bees have over wintered real well the last three winters.
Jim

Joe D · April 01, 2014, 11:32:39 AM

Bet they are getting to smell, Jim. I know what you meant, just couldn't pass it up.

Joe

BeeMaster2 · April 01, 2014, 11:06:10 PM

Quote from: Joe D on April 01, 2014, 11:32:39 AM
Bet they are getting to smell, Jim. I know what you meant, just couldn't pass it up.

Joe

Ha ha, OK I haven't removed the SBB from the hives for the last 4 years. :?
Jim

AllenF · April 02, 2014, 10:32:34 PM

One thing is to find a way to close them up from the outside world. I had coons one year to pull out the trays one year. They were just after an easy meal.

Joe D · April 03, 2014, 12:47:28 AM

I started last year using water with a cheap dish washing liquid instead of oil. Easy to clean, you do have to keep an eye on the level during the summer because of evaporation. Seemed to do as good as the oil for me anyway. Now this is for the pan under the SBB, not traps in the frames.

Joe