Swarm season

tireman · February 02, 2014, 10:52:06 PM

In anticipation for the swarm season, I built a swarm trap yesterday. I basically used Robo's plans with a little modification in height because of using scrap material. First off, what kind of swarm lure does everyone use? The pheromone, lemongrass oil, or both. Also where is the best place to buy the pheromone and

lemongrass oil? I know some people use a old brood comb, but being a beginner, I don't have any. Finally, thanks to Robo for his website. I like his plans and cut list, great resource for beginners.

capt44 · February 02, 2014, 11:07:07 PM

Most Honey Bee Supply Companies sell the Queen Lures.
I use Lemon Essence Oil, it's made from Lemon Grass.
Most Health Food Stores will handle it or you can buy it online.
A small bottle of say 1/2 ounce or so will last a long time.
You use it sparingly, too much and you will actually repel the scout bees.
You can take a small pill bottle and drill a 1/16 or smaller hole in the lower side, fill it with cotton balls and just add a couple drops of the Lemon Grass Oil and seal it up.
Or take a large diameter soda straw and cut it in 2 inch lengths, stuff it with cotton and add a couple of drops of Lemon oil, then staple it in the trap.

buzzbee · February 03, 2014, 07:45:18 AM

Read the part Capt 44 said abouy sparingly. This is one case where if a little is good,more is not better. :)

richter1978 · February 04, 2014, 01:53:58 PM

I dipped one end of a cotton swab in lemongrass oil, it wasn't dripping, and put it in the back of the hive. Is that too much as stated above?

johng · February 05, 2014, 04:22:17 PM

That should work fine. I think we are about three weeks away from starting to see swarms here in North Fl. It normally gets cranking around the first of March

richter1978 · February 05, 2014, 08:26:36 PM

Johng, I'm very excited for swarm season! I built some of the Coates 5 and 8 frame traps, I hope I catch a few!

richter1978 · February 05, 2014, 08:28:43 PM

I hope we all catch a few!

GSF · February 05, 2014, 08:37:59 PM

Yall give us a head's up on them swarms & splits.

jayj200 · February 10, 2014, 06:30:59 PM

No more than 5 drops lemon grass oil.
best to know where previous swarms have landed as more will follow years later.
mine have.
Old comb is good. got a bee club near? most beekeepers have old comb from a dead out.

freeze it first for 3 days to a week

jay

jayj200 · February 27, 2014, 10:14:24 AM

when does swarm season start in Atlanta Georgia.

my people there want to know

jay

10framer · February 27, 2014, 10:33:56 AM

jay, i'm 100 miles south of atlanta and the earliest i've ever caught swarms was march 15th.