Small Hive Beetle Traps / Than double as ventilation when moving hive

the-ecohouse.com · December 13, 2011, 06:07:26 AM

Hi Guys

Check out my new small hive beetle trap experiment.
Using gutter guard mesh its super easy for any skill level to duplicate, cost and time effective.

So far it is working quite well plenty of beetles and no bees,

the-ecohouse.weebly.com/1/post/2011/12/revised-small-hive-beetle-traps.html

cheers

Intheswamp · December 13, 2011, 10:36:46 AM

I like the idea of using the gutter guard mesh. I'll check some out the next time in one of the hardware stores. Thoughts on the mesh size... I've seen several reports that SHB are to range up to 3.2mm wide by 5.7mm long. I haven't found a report of their thickness. That is basically 1/8" wide by a touch less than 1/4" long. Non-average smaller or larger beetles are probably out there.

Ed

Anybrew · December 13, 2011, 05:07:49 PM

Hi, I like the gutter mesh idea, what do you use for a tray?and how do you attach it?
Cheers
Anybrew

the-ecohouse.com · December 13, 2011, 07:29:48 PM

check out my link on the first post.

Basically there is company called gum leaf gutter guard. they sell their product at bunnings. this is the only company that ii have foudn that makes mesh size small enough.

Cost about $17 per sheet but that should be enough to do 6-7 hives depending on the size of your traps.

These are working really well. I used to recess a trap into the bottom of the floor and cut 3mm slots into the floor of the hive but slightly wider and the traps would end up full of bees.... But with these ones i just liquid nailed around the edges and stapled it to the bottom board.

Lord Viykor · December 14, 2011, 06:36:29 AM

One the the beeks at the bee club meeting I went to had a bottom board rebated with that type of gutter guard in it. It looks like it could work well.

I might try it on my bottom board once I get a spare one.

ShaneJ · December 14, 2011, 07:22:20 AM

Quote from: Lord Viykor on December 14, 2011, 06:36:29 AM
One the the beeks at the bee club meeting I went to had a bottom board rebated with that type of gutter guard in it. It looks like it could work well.

I might try it on my bottom board once I get a spare one.

Off topic a little bit, but where do you get your supplies from around here?

Lord Viykor · December 15, 2011, 02:36:07 AM

Quote from: ShaneJ on December 14, 2011, 07:22:20 AM
Off topic a little bit, but where do you get your supplies from around here?

The mesh will be via Bunnings, another bottom board most likely through Quality Bee Keeping Supplies at Sumner Park.

the-ecohouse.com · December 21, 2011, 06:40:23 AM

bit of an update on the traps guys

they are working VERY well the mesh size of the gutter-guard is perfect for the beetles.

one hive had around 30 drop out in the first week, with little sign of them in the hive anymore.

I have modified another 10 bases well see how we go.

I personally like the fact it doubles as a screened bottom board.

cheers

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Intheswamp · December 21, 2011, 10:52:11 AM

Nice. Sounds like you've found some good material there. As I said...I'll keep my eyes open for it. ;)

Ed

the-ecohouse.com · December 22, 2011, 06:49:57 AM

yep i'm preety happy with it....i like the fact its so quick to modify my existing bottom board

Intheswamp · December 22, 2011, 09:51:26 AM

I am kind of curious about what material that is that you're using for your bottom board. Where you cut the hole, have you sealed with anything to prevent moisture damage?

Ed

the-ecohouse.com · December 23, 2011, 08:11:21 AM

hi there

i use weathertex hardwood board. I just paint the cuts on the exterior side only, prob not necessary given how much liquid nails (glue) i tend to use for the mesh. The board comes with a 25 year unpainted guarantee. so that works well for me.

Lord Viykor · February 28, 2012, 07:36:59 AM

I was making a base board similar to ecohouse's and wasn't happy with my results. So I bit the bullet and ordered a Freeman one, the postage is a bit of a killer though.

the-ecohouse.com · February 28, 2012, 10:02:14 AM

really?

what did you find the problems were in your hives?
not catching enough beetles?

let me know how you go with the freeman version. I'd be curious to see how they compare, the beetle traps that you place into between the frames were not very successful for me, plus you had to keep opening them up to check them...

I'm working on something special that may end up replacing my bottom boards and risers....
can say more at the moment..still in approval stage.

Birdswood · February 28, 2012, 08:08:17 PM

What are you using in the trays Eco? Diatomaceous earth?

the-ecohouse.com · February 28, 2012, 09:05:17 PM

nah veggie oil, i found it to be much more effective in the baking trays i currently use

Lord Viykor · February 29, 2012, 06:22:02 AM

Quote from: the-ecohouse.com on February 28, 2012, 10:02:14 AM
really?

what did you find the problems were in your hives?
not catching enough beetles?

No, I just wasn't happy with how mine looked. I was using the sheetmetal base board it looked a bit flimsy once I added the mesh.

Quote from: the-ecohouse.com on February 28, 2012, 10:02:14 AM
let me know how you go with the freeman version. I'd be curious to see how they compare, the beetle traps that you place into between the frames were not very successful for me, plus you had to keep opening them up to check them..

Will do.

the-ecohouse.com · February 29, 2012, 06:46:43 PM

no worries...
Currently we trying to work out some solutions for commercial beekeepers in the area

so i'll certainly be glad to hear how you traps go.

shan777 · February 29, 2012, 07:01:30 PM

Man..... I looooooovvvvvvveeeeee your website !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My wife and I have a similar thing going on at our house, big veggie gardens, fruit trees everwhere, chickens, and bees.... so cool to see someone else young like me with similar aspirations!
Think I am going to enjoy keeping up with your blogs!!

the-ecohouse.com · February 29, 2012, 10:04:48 PM

Thanks Shan777 :-D