Just put out swarm traps...

[justgojumpit]

I rounded up some black combs, filled three cardboard nuc boxes, added some lemongrass oil, and hung the first one in the tree about 14 feet up, pointing south(ish) Two more are ready to be hung up when I get the chance. I'll put out two other traps in other corners of the property.

I don't know what the feral bee populations are like here, but I guess I'll find out. At least if one of my hives swarms, I'll have some traps out for them!

justgojumpit

[Ted n Ms]

I put out six bait hives and caught four swarms.I quess this is a good average. It's fun kinda like fishing.

[justgojumpit]

were you aware of feral bee populations, before putting out the traps? Do you think the swarms may have come from your hives? Either way, that's four more swarms than you might have had otherwise!

justgojumpit

[prscotty]

How much lemon grass oil and where do you put it? Can you use foundation or should it be drawn comb.

[icodebot]

Good luck with that. Keep us updated.

[Ted n Ms]

were you aware of feral bee populations, before putting out the traps? Do you think the swarms may have come from your hives? Either way, that's four more swarms than you might have had otherwise!

justgojumpit

Now i have caught 5 swarms. No they were caught about four miles from my bees all were feral.

[pilothawk]

How much LGO is good to use when baiting a trap?

[odfrank]

I put about ten drops tops on the combs and entrance. I aim for five but usually more drop out. I have caught over 30 baits this year.

[pilothawk]

5-10 drop total, or 5-10 drops per frame? And is having old comb necessary? I've just started this year and don't have any old comb.

Sorry for being a dummy, but I've never set out a swarm trap before.

[odfrank]

Tens drops per bait hive tops, and I don't think you have to renew. I caught a late swarm in my pile of empty bait hives.