First Trapping Experience and Lessons Learned

[westmich-erny]

My first stab at trapping this year and the results with lessons learned
Seven traps set. All were old wood medium supers half filled with frames. Lure used in 5 traps. All located 6-8 feet up in trees on wood edges. Caught bees in 3 of the 5. 2 of 3 had lure. Botched the first one by trying to transfer on location and making a mess of things probably killing or letting the queen escape. Lesson. Completely fill the box with frames and do the transfer where the box will ultimately be located. Second one had a good swarm but I delayed getting out to it for a couple days and I got there they were gone. Lesson. Get there as soon as possible. The last one went smoothly. A little late in the year but its a good looking swarm so I'm hopeful. Thanks to all for advice.

[beyondthesidewalks]

What kind of lures did you use? I'm experimenting with my one lures made from soft drink straws stuffed with cotton. I soak the cotton with lemongrass oil. So far, I think that they work just as well as the commercial lures that I've bought. Any other input out there?

[Zane]

The one trapped swarm I got this year was on lemongrass oil(I had 2 commercial lures and 3 lemongrass oil). I have been told too much oil isnt a good thing. Just a few drops ea month.
I also try to move my trap/swarms on a cool night when they are all in bed sleeping.
Good Luck next season!!!!

[westmich-erny]

I used lemongrass oil in all the traps (6-10 drops) and commercial lure also in 5 of them. And yes, the nighttime move sounds like a good idea.

Question: When working with bees at night are they drawn to the light that you use? I could imagine it being a problem especially if you're using a headlamp.

[scdw43]

Use a headlight with a red LED light. Bees can't see the red light.