swarm traps

[eddiedlzn]

Hello everyone, I was going to put out around ten swarm traps this year. I am using old hive bodies and nuc boxes. I am going to put a frame of old comb in each one. I am wondering if I should fill the boxes up with frames and foundation. that way if I dont get around to checking it for a few week they wont build comb in the empty spaces. I am also going to use some lemon grass oil should I just put some drops on the comb or should i use a cotton ball. in a baggy or both. I am also wondering if it helps to paint them a certain color and if matters if how high they are off the ground. I sure would appreciate some advise. I have never put any out before. Thanks

[Keith13]

I have used old hive bodies I had deeps out where I worked and caught a few swarms late in the season. I always put all frames in the boxes to prevent them from building comb from the lid. In my limitied experience they would rather build thier own comb then move onto foundation. I put one frame of drawn foundation then 9 new ones and it seemed to work fine. I was surprised how well it worked. I tried to have the heights around 8-10 feet off the ground but not so high it was hard to get them down

Keith

[JP]

Eddie, sounds like you already know what to do. Color really doesn't matter paint them what you want to.

Keith, love the new avatar!


...JP

[Grandma_DOG]

Definitely put all frames in. Even if they are supers or med frames. I've already caught 2 swarms in 9 deployed boxes this year, one I didn't quite put in all the frames and I'm going to have to clean that up this week.

Keith, I like the new camo sting-proof bee jacket.

[Keith13]

yeah the sting proof jackets come free with the all expenses paid vacation from reality im currently enjoying LOL

Keith

[Michael Bush]

I like to have foundationless frames (turn the wedge sideways) so that they can cluster when they move in and so they will hopefully build the combs in the frames.