SBB for Swarm Trap?

[BrentX]

So I have built a few 4 frame boxes for growing the bee yard.

One of the intended uses is for catching swarms.  When used in that way the little nuc boxes will get a few frames of comb and a shot of lemon grass oil.  In this application would a screened bottom board be more effective than a solid bottom?

[AllenF]

With my traps, I always use solid bottoms.   I think the swarm may take to the closed up box better than with an open hive.   Maybe someone will chime n that has ran both to see which catches more.   

[BrentX]

Thanks.  By my way of thinking like a bee, a closed up space would be more attractive to a new colony looking for a place to grow. But thought I would check here for confirmation with others experience.

[VolunteerK9]

I'm not sure where I got the plans from now, I just checked Beesource and they weren't on there, but I built some 5 frame medium swarm traps that had a SBB with a removable bottom cover. Catch you swarm, bring them home, and once the queen is laying well, remove the bottom board. I got the plans somewhere on the internet but basically a nuc with a migratory top that could be hung from a tree.

[AllenF]

I just use old nucs for traps.   Leave them in there until they need to move into a 10 frame hive.   I also have 2 old 10 frame boxes made from 2 inch wood (very old and every rough) that I set out for traps.

[tefer2]

  http://www.honeyrunapiaries.com/plans/5nuc.pdf
Try these plans from Tim .

[Tommyt]

So I have built a few 4 frame boxes for growing the bee yard.

One of the intended uses is for catching swarms.  When used in that way the little nuc boxes will get a few frames of comb and a shot of lemon grass oil.  In this application would a screened bottom board be more effective than a solid bottom?

I recommend the Dcoates super simple Nuc design ,I'll be hanging them across the county  :-D
http://www.beekeepingforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1733

I know he has them here and other places this is the first I found doing a Google search with his name and NUC

Tommyt

edited to say
I found more on his Idea/Plans


http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,27006.msg212166.html#msg212166

http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa190/Drew454/Nuc%20plans/

[Kathyp]

i use screened bottoms when i set traps out that are going to have to be trucked home.  it's easier to close them and not worry about ventilation on the drive back.  i also don't have to change anything when i put them in the yard.  just plop them down as they are.

other than that, i would have no preference.  the solids are cheaper to make/buy so if that's an issue, go with them.  you can always tape screen over the entrance when you move them.

[Robo]

I make my $2 swarm traps out of 3/8 plywood, 1/4 Luan and free coroplast signs.   They are light and cheap so I don't worry about loosing a few.   I too find that bees seem to like a closed in and dark space.