Swarm trap, make it work?

Pi · March 05, 2008, 07:10:28 PM

I'm going to nail a nuc up my bee's favorite tree in the hope of catching one of my own swarms this spring. If it should happen, that is.
I have a tube of queen pheromone. Do I put the whole tube in, and how long does it last?
I don't have a lot of comb to spare, so is one old black comb and a couple of new foundations enough? Or is no comb ok? It'll probably get moth eaten by the time I get it down.
The last week in March is when it usually happens for me down here in Dixie.
Thanks

bassman1977 · March 05, 2008, 07:35:36 PM

QuoteDo I put the whole tube in, and how long does it last?

Yes, put the whole tube in. I forget how long it lasts. A good while if I recall.

QuoteI don't have a lot of comb to spare, so is one old black comb and a couple of new foundations enough? Or is no comb ok?

I would put in what you can spare. Definately something that has been scent on it, would be best. Don't go without any comb at all, I think that might lower your chances.

QuoteIt'll probably get moth eaten by the time I get it down.

Probably...unless you get bees.

Cindi · March 06, 2008, 11:08:19 AM

Pi, hope things work for you in catching a swarm. This year I am going to set up swarm boxes too. But what I am going to do, there was an excellent idea in one of the threads, is I am going to hang the boxes with ropes off tree limbs so that I can raise and lower the boxes. I am pretty excited about this prospect, it sounds like it would work really well, then just lower the box at night and put it where I want it to be, eehee, not sure if it will work, but I'm gonna try this method. Have a wonderful and beautifully beautiful day, Cindi

DayValleyDahlias · March 06, 2008, 02:17:32 PM

Pi, good luck catching a swarm...

I had 2 traps out...the bees swarmed to a huge oak tree, then to a small oak tree, then to an upside down metal garbage can!

So go out and find some old metal garbage cans, place them upside down in the shade...heehee

Michael Bush · March 06, 2008, 09:32:20 PM

>Do I put the whole tube in

Yes.

> and how long does it last?

Pretty much a season. Don't open it. It will leech through the plastic at the correct rate.

>I don't have a lot of comb to spare, so is one old black comb and a couple of new foundations enough?

Yes. One old black comb will help a lot.

> Or is no comb ok?

It's ok, but the comb will help.

> It'll probably get moth eaten by the time I get it down.

Yes it will.

DayValleyDahlias · March 07, 2008, 01:40:38 AM

Oh wow, I put the lure in with the top open! Criminy sakes alive...live and learn!

Michael Bush · March 07, 2008, 08:36:09 AM

>Oh wow, I put the lure in with the top open!

It's always good to read the "destructions". :)

DayValleyDahlias · March 07, 2008, 10:48:55 AM

LOL Michael, there were NO "destructions" with the lure...so my monkey mind just figured I would need to, "open her up"...LOL
One of the viles of lure fell to the ground without my knowing, underneath the swarm...after the bees left that location, I noticed there were a bunch of bees on the ground, after pocking around, I could see they were gathering around the vile. One poor lil girl actually crawled indie the vile and got stuck...
~*~S

heaflaw · March 08, 2008, 12:31:10 AM

I put in 2 or 3 frames of old comb and seperate them from each other. That seems to help keep wax moths from destroying the comb as much. I also replace the comb with others every few weeks and freeze overnight what had been in the bait hives. Does anyone know if seperating the frames like that is not as attractive to swarms?

Brian D. Bray · March 09, 2008, 01:40:13 AM

Quote from: heaflaw on March 08, 2008, 12:31:10 AM
I put in 2 or 3 frames of old comb and seperate them from each other. That seems to help keep wax moths from destroying the comb as much. I also replace the comb with others every few weeks and freeze overnight what had been in the bait hives. Does anyone know if seperating the frames like that is not as attractive to swarms?

I would just use one frame. You want to lure them temporarily not give them a permanant home. I frame is easier and quicker to transfer and most likely be where the queen is. Pull that frame, put the center of the hive body, and shake the swarm trap out onto the hive. I've always preferred the Keep It Simple Simon method best.

jimmyo · March 09, 2008, 09:55:22 AM

I use nuke boxes and old comb for swarm traps as well as using my older hive bodies. It is easier to transfer the swarm into a hive. Swarm season happens around here before the wax moth get bad. Wax moths like the old black comb best.

Pi · March 30, 2008, 07:13:58 PM

Looks like it worked....!

Hayesbo · March 30, 2008, 09:27:28 PM

AWESOME!! :shock:

Congrats, Steve

JP · March 30, 2008, 10:30:09 PM

Quote from: Pi on March 30, 2008, 07:13:58 PM
Looks like it worked....!

Congratulations! You just saved yourself a bunch of money.

...JP

Cindi · March 31, 2008, 10:22:52 AM

Pi, well would ya get a load of that!!! It worked and you have a beautiful picture and a beautiful swarm to show for it, yeah!!!! Bet you are one proud owner of a new swarm eh, good for you. Thanks for the posting of the picture, it was awesome and beautiful. Have the best of this great day, lovin' and livin' our great lives. Cindi

mudlakee · April 01, 2008, 06:59:48 AM

Hey that looks just like my "nuc". Tony

Koala John · November 02, 2008, 03:21:14 AM

Awesome Pi, well done, I got quite a chuckle seeing the results so soon after your original post.
Cheers,
John.

Pi · November 03, 2008, 11:35:04 AM

I was also impressed with the results. Strangely enough, after I took the swarm down and allowed them to hive in the same nuc box, I discovered that there was no queen present. I don't know where she went because I didn't disturb the bees much while taking it out of the tree. Since queens are impossible to find in the spring around here, I wound up combining it with a weak hive a week later. The weak hive was in need, so it all worked out.