Is brood comb essential...

[ktbearpaws]

.....for a swarm trap to be successful.Or will using just "lemongrass" oil work.
From what I can tell, it is kinda difficult to come by, if you don't already have bees.

[Robo]

I wouldn't call it essential,  but it can improve your chances.   All of the swarms I have removed from walls didn't have comb to lure the bees there.

[Understudy]

I have had success using just lemongrass oil.


Sincerely,
Brendhan

[Michael Bush]

Given a choice between a box with old comb and a box with lemongrass oil, my experience is the bees will go for the lemongrass oil.  But if you really want to stack the deck "both" is better.

[Beester]

Given a choice between a box with old comb and a box with lemongrass oil, my experience is the bees will go for the lemongrass oil.  But if you really want to stack the deck "both" is better.

How much lemongrass oil should be used per box and how often does it need to be re-applied? Thanks in advance.

[Understudy]

I do a tablespoon spread over the inside and I do not reapply.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[Michael Bush]

>How much lemongrass oil should be used per box and how often does it need to be re-applied?

I do four or five drops on the top bars (if there are frames).  It would probably be good to reapply it in a month.  I never have.  I just do it once when I set them.