Too late to trap out?

[ShaneJ]

I'm not sure if I should have this post here or in the downunder section?

Here in Australia we are coming to the end of spring (summer starts in December). I am wondering if it is too late to perform a trap out?

My next door neighbour recently had a colony move into his brick wall and a cut out is not possible.

Should I be pulling my finger out and get all the bits together to do it ASAP, or should I relax and wait till the next opportunity?

Thanks guys

[JP]

I would go ahead with the trap out and feed them if/when necessary.


...JP

[ShaneJ]

Thanks mate. I was kinda hoping you wouldn't say that though  :)

[Intheswamp]

OT:  So the the flies down there even aggravate the bees, eh?  I like your avatar. ;)  Ed

[ShaneJ]

Fortunately the flies aren't bad enough around here to wear them cool hats  :-D

[Meadlover]

I think now would be a great time in Brisbane to do a trapout, and either make yourself another hive, or boost your current one.
If you weren/t so far north, and I wasn't so far south I'd give you a hand with it.

ML

[ShaneJ]

Where abouts in Brisbane are you mate?

Shane

[Robo]

Any idea how long they have been there?   If less than a week or so,  a trap out will go quite quick as they aren't fully set-up in the new home and will usually abscond within a week of the trap out starting.

[ShaneJ]

I am still to confirm, but could be up to 3 weeks.

[Robo]

OK, then it sounds like you will be at it a while.

[Meadlover]

Where abouts in Brisbane are you mate?

Shane

I'm half way between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

[ShaneJ]

Oh, the dark side..

[ShaneJ]

Hi guys, here are a few pictures of the trap out cone I made. Can anyone see any problems? Pictures aren't that great..

[iddee]

It looks good, if the dark color doesn't outline the entrance enough for them to recognize the way in. Hopefully, they will go by smell, and stay at the bottom of the cone, rather than orienting on the tip.

Keep us updated. Trapping is still in the experimental stage and nearly every trap out yields new info.

[ShaneJ]

The dark colour of the mesh is my concern too. Luckily its just next door so I will be able to constantly keep and eye on it.

Shane

[ShaneJ]

Its raining!!!! The weather forecast was for a nice sunny day :-x

I managed to get a stand for the hive body in place and I have blocked any other entrances/exits with off cuts of the mesh screen. I was just about to drill some holes in the brick work to fit some screw plugs to fix the ply board to.

The rain is passing over but its almost lunch time. Is it best to star the trapout in the morning? Or will after lunch be ok?

[iddee]

Depends on the strength of the hive and the weather. You want enough to leave the house to be able to keep the brood frame warm the first night.

[ShaneJ]

Well the trap is in place.. Fingers crossed  :-\

[ShaneJ]

Heres a quick picture. I'm concerned the box may be a tad too high?

[ShaneJ]

Some pictures of the frame I used in the trap box: