Is a trap-out practical for 10 day old swarm?

[Daz the Drone]

Hi all,
Just caught my first swarm of bees on 01-04-11.    Prior to this swarm, on 01-01-11, we had a swarm (probably the primary?) enter the under floor area of our house and set up camp, using an entrance where mortar is missing between bricks (3" x 3/8").   I want to move them on, but prefer to keep them under my terms.   The swarm that I caught is only very small.    Is a trap-out using the hive of the first swarm, a practical sollution?   If not, what are my options, as a cut-out is impossible.

[iddee]

Yes, it is the perfect candidate. Use the small swarm as the catch box if it is queen right.

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,20301.0.html

[Robo]

I'm with iddee.

The earlier you start a trap out, the quicker the results.   If you can stop the food going in,  they have very little to build from since most of their resources have been going to build comb.  I have had good success with starting a trap out within the first week or so.   In fact,  even those that would not be too bad of a cut-out,  I will try the trap out first.    Usually when they don't have much invested and a lot of brood, they will abscond much faster.

Just make sure your small swarm has a laying queen,  or you may have to give them some eggs.

Now go to.  The sooner the better.

[Daz the Drone]

Thanks iddee and Robo.    I just got through reading most of those threads.   Seems I'll be very busy tomorrow ....
I'll let you know how I go.   And of course, you'll want pics too eh?

[Robo]

And of course, you'll want pics too eh?

Absolutely :-D

New members aren't permitted to post photos or links right away due to issues we have had with pornography.   

Just email the photo links to [email protected] and a moderator will attach them for you.

[Daz the Drone]

Set the trap-out last night.    The weather has turned woeful here today with a strong easterly and rain (trap-out wall happens to be facing east), so anything that ventures out is really going to struggle ... the best laid plans of mice and men.    Should I block the cone opening to delay till the rain clears, or will that confuse them even more?

[iddee]

Just leave it as is. Nature will take care of the rest.

[Daz the Drone]

Yeah, they finally got the message.     And so did I.   Thanks.   ( thinks .... 'must try to stop mothering').

[Daz the Drone]

Pic of the trap-out.   There's not much action happening.   This at the end of day three.




Uploaded with ImageShack.us
I think the hive is a durdant jumbo, 11 5/8" deep frames. (it was a freeby).
I'm going to change it out next spring.   The cone is made from
aluminum woven mesh (fly wire).   Just don't believe how well it works.
I'll update this in around 3-4 weeks.

[Robo]

Nice job.  I would remove the entrance reducer though.   The returning bees will cluster at the base of the cone,  so with the reducer removed,  they can get into the hive by the corner.