Catch a swarm in a mailbox?

newbee101 · January 22, 2007, 09:13:31 PM

I bought a new mailbox and was wondering what to do with the old one. Then I thought, why not hoist it up a tree for a swarm lure? I can't wait till spring to try it. :-D

Jerrymac · January 22, 2007, 09:23:31 PM

Black metal sure will be hot if any sun gets to it.

newbee101 · January 22, 2007, 09:45:05 PM

Good point, but I am going to paint it a lighter color to blend in with the trees and leaves. I got some nice shade trees in the yard, but maybe I should put a vent in the back. I plan on putting eyelets on the top so I can hoist it up and down with a pulley and cable.

Cindi · January 24, 2007, 10:59:22 AM

newbee101. Now that has gotta be inventive. Great picture. Painting it lighter would definitely be a better choice. Good for you!!! I would never have thought of something like that.

Do as was has been suggested on the forum. Put some lemongrass oil on the top bars to lure in the swarms that surely will find the mailbox most enticing. Good luck and great day. Cindi

KONASDAD · January 24, 2007, 11:32:58 AM

In my area, the grey squirrels would move right in. A weather tight box high in a tree is the penthouse for squirrels. Like your ingenuity though. Hope it works too.

Brian D. Bray · January 24, 2007, 09:07:45 PM

I'm planning on replacing my mail box with a Nuc box--minus the frames of course. I can just immage the look on the postmans face when he opens the hive to put in the mail.

Cindi · January 24, 2007, 11:01:53 PM

Brian, ha!!!! Now wouldn't that just be a huge laugh to see the face of the postman!!!

Did you watch the bee drop video that Finsky put on the site. That was one of the funniest things that I have ever seen in my life. Great day. Cindi

Apis629 · January 25, 2007, 10:59:27 PM

A nuc mailbox would be better than a lockbox for mail security any day!

Great idea, newbee, that may actuallly work, if swarming is common in your area. Good luck.