Cheap SHB trap

[Brunswick Beeworks]

At a recent beekeeper meeting here in NC where a new SHB trap was displayed the wheels got to turning and I have come up with an effective trap that costs about $4 a hive to produce.

I use a cafeteria tray measuring 18"x14" and make a cover out of #8 mesh and wire it into place. after making and installing 1" spacers on the bottom board to elevate the Deep body I fill the tray with vegtable oil and slide it into place. The SHB can get through the mesh but the bees can't and when they SHB finds it's way through the mesh it drowns in the oil.


Give it a try and let me know what you think.

-Jeff

[wayacoyote]

Our State Inspector brought one of those out last spring. It led me to wonder if the same device wouldn't also double in capturing and drowning varroa as well.

What have you been seeing in yours?

WayaCoyote

[jfischer]

> I use a cafeteria tray...

This certainly keeps it cheap, until you
pay the fine from being convicted of
stealing cafeteria trays! http://www.beesource.com/ubb/smile.gif

Just kidding.

[Brunswick Beeworks]

I have no mites in my four hives but a friend with 300 hives that is trying out my trap says he is catching verroa mites in his.

As for the larceny charges, I contemplated paying the neighborhood kids a buck a piece for every lunch tray they swipped but that nasty contributing to the delinquincy of a minor made me think twice so i bought some at a resturant supply store.

-Jeff