Swarm Lure ? and Recommendation

[Sundance]

How long do commercial swarm lures last?

Any recommendations on brands?

Thanks

[Sundance]

I just remembered I have a bag of old (and I mean OLD!) broken up brood comb I have not rendered.

Would a handful of this with founationless frames act as a lure until I get my commercial lure??? Or perhaps tie a hand size chunk of it to the frame???

[Curry]

I've had good luck with lemongrass oil. Just a few drops is all you need per trap. It lasts a long time that way, and is cheap.

Old comb would certainly attract a swarm, even broken up. Maybe even put a little honey in to attract some attention.

[Robert Hawkins]

I don't know for sure but would advise against honey in a swarm lure. It attracts too many undesireables.

Hawk

[Michael Bush]

A swarm isn't looking for honey. They are looking for a home. Maybe the honey might make one of the field bees cleaning it up, remember that nice potential home, but I really don't think it matters that much. The lemongrass oil is the cheapest and works as well. All the commercial ones I've had from Brusy Mt. and Mann Lake worked about the same as the lemongrass oil.

[Sundance]

Lemongrass oil it is then.

Does the stuff they sell for aroma therapy work?? They claim it is 100% pure and natural. In a fairly small community it is the only source I am likely to fine without mailorder.

[Michael Bush]

If it's just lemongrass essential oil it seems to work fine. If they are adding anything else, then who knows?

[Tomas]

I usually spinkle a good bit of wax inside the trap hive. The outside is covered with a real strong lemon grass tea (I have it growing here in my house). When I make the rounds and check the swarm traps, I'll carry a bottle of the tea and apply it to each of the boxes that are empty.

Also, the more times a box has had bees in it, the better it'll work.

[notaclue]

I've never heard of lemongrass (or lemon grass?) oil. What is it and where may I find some?

[Joseph Clemens]

I just picked up some today at a vitamin store in a local strip mall.

[notaclue]

Thanks Joseph!
I know what I'll be doing later this morning!

[Sundance]

After scouring my small city of 9,000 I could not locate any. I just got done ordering a 4 oz bottle of "steam distilled" 100% pure oil. Sometimes (although rarely) I miss the convienance of larger cities.

[Robert Hawkins]

I just tried three vitamin stores and they don't have it. Mr. Clemens, help please. Maybe yours is part of a national chain??

Hawk

[Sundance]

Hawk.......... Here's a link to where I ordered it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=36444&item=5594953556&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

[Robert Hawkins]

Thanks Bruce, I drive through Aurora, Colo. every day. I'm gonna save $5 shipping.

Hawk

[Michael Bush]

I bought a big bottle on line and I figure it will last the rest of my life. Do a search on "essential oils" and you'll find lots of vendors. But anyplace that carries essential oils (you remember pachuoly, etc.) usually has it.

[notaclue]

Curry
Thank you!!! Actually we are still getting swarms. I am hearing about them after the fact. It seems most folks don't know about capturing swarms. They now know (friends of mine). Swarm retrieved Friday and no queen to be found. Still about half workers and drones and honey and brood...am going to attempt last minute queening. Thanks again I appreciate it! I am going to the board and ask if there is a BEST/preferred height for traps. David

[notaclue]

Disregard the honey and brood part. That is a feral hive that was found later that same day. Again Thanks!!

[amymcg]

Essential Oils can usually also be purchased at any "whole foods" store, you know, the ones that sell only organic vegetables and have juice bars.