Swarm catch prep

[mikesfarm]

I forward my home e-mails to work and get requests to come get swarms. Instead of driving home to get my stuff and driving back I am putting my 'stuff' in my van to be ready during swarm season. I will not do cutouts only swarms.
I have a ladder, deep and nuc, lemongrass oil,swabs, pruners, suit and gloves. I would have liked to have carried some drawn frames, but in a closed vehicle in Fla (even in winter) I am sure the wax would melt. I will take a few frames of wired foundation and a few hinged frames for swarm comb. Any suggestions for alternatives for drawn comb? Perhaps a few chunks of burr comb ?
Regards
Mike

[TodesSchatten]

plastic frames or foundation rubbed/dipped with beeswax

[wayacoyote]

Mike,
I'd just keep a few frames with starter strips in them. You won't have to worry about the wax melting or sagging or getting torn. And a swarm should draw them out lickity split.

[waynesgarden]

Have a place at work to keep a few frames of comb, like a locker or desk drawer?

Just a thought.

Wayne

[mikesfarm]

That's funny. I had not even thought about keeping a couple of frames at work.
That should also boost Honey sales there as well. I easily sold 90 pounds of honey at work without asking a single person. A couple of frames in view should help sell even more.
Thanks
Mike

[Brandy]

I'd leave the lemongrass at home also. Don't need it for the swarms and the heat sitting in the vehicle wouldn't do it any good. IMO

[odfrank]

Park in the shade?

[mikesfarm]

I understand for swarm traps lemongrass oil is used, but is it not used to capture a swarm. I thought it would make the deep smell like a good home ?
Is lemongrass oil not used to hive a swarm ?
Regards
Mike

[Brandy]

OK, so here's my disclaimer, I have no scientific proof. But I feel like the lemongrass oil in a catcher hive, or swarm catch hive gives off the scent for the scouts to come take a look. They take a look, comb, size, height, everything has to be what they're looking for or they pass and go on, investigate some other options. Basically an attractant.
With a swarm, they're already clustered, you're not giving them options, they are going in this Nuc, Hive Body, Box. I wouldn't want to mask any of the queens natural phermone since obviously they recognize it and are staying with her. JMO