5-gallon pail for swarm traps?

[Ben Brewcat]

It's only about 19 liters, shy of the average of what, 35? But I look at those fiber swarm traps for attaching to trees and whatnot and they look like a glorified bucket to me. What about a 6.5-gallon bucket (24L), affixed horizontally, scored on the inside so comb can attach? Just trying to use what I have laying around.

[wayacoyote]

Joe Waggle does that. I think one thing you'd need to address is making sure that it isn't bright inside. I hear that swarms like it dark in their hive.

[mike haney]

some old frames of comb would be a big plus. if they wanna move in they will. look at the reports here of hives in gas tanks and water heaters. good luck,mike

[mikesfarm]

I do not know about a bucket, but I am trying this this year. They cost me nothing. They are cardboard boxes that I partially wrapped in plastic and put lemongrass oil inside and chunks of old wax. I think that they will survive through swarm season. Maybe too creative ?


Regards
Mike

http://mikesfarm1.blogspot.com/

[Sundance]

Check this thread and picture from Danno and
Derek using 12" diameter sonotube.........

http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=226238

[RAlex]

A couple of years ago I had one of my hives swarm into a cherry tree out back about 25 feet up and onto a limb. I figured if I could the 5 gallon (horizontal) close enough with a frame of old comb and some lemon oil they would move into it ...I got it about 6 feet away from the swarm and yes they checked it out but stayed there a day and a half and headed to the woods. A week later after returning home from capturing a swarm in another town nearby my daughter said she and the grandkids were on the back lawn and a swarm moved from north into the cherry tree. I have no hives north of my house. I checked and sure enough they had went right into the bucket. I lowered closed the 2 inch opening with tape and hived them. Since I had the bucket tied by rope placed it back in the same spot and caught one more swarm there that year . I did have to cut a slot in the bottom of the bucket to hold up the frame and the cover had a 2 inch hole in it already...Rick

[mike haney]

RAlex it has been noted here before that swarms often land in the same spot year after year to send out scouts. if this cherry tree is convienient you are in luck!

[Galaxy]

Check this thread and picture from Danno and
Derek using 12" diameter sonotube.........

http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=226238

This sounds like a very good idea Sundance. Does anyone know how long a Sonotube lasts in the weather? What would be the best coating to protect the tube? Or, is this even necessary?

[Sundance]

Does anyone know how long a Sonotube lasts in the weather? What would be the best coating to protect the tube? Or, is this even necessary?

The glues used in these are ground contact rated so
they are pretty tough. I am going to build a couple and
paint with a good exterior grade latex just to add some
protection.

I like the idea they are cheap and very light.

[odfrank]

You might try to find styrafoam fish shipping boxes. they adapt easily for bait traps.

[Sundance]

That is great Frank!! Good idea.

[Galaxy]

Thanks Sundance. I agree. I will build some also.

[Sundance]

Thanks Sundance. I agree. I will build some also.

The kudos belong to Danno and Derek..... and to
Barry for allowing pics in posts. (something I was
initially against......... wrong...) But thanks, for
the thanks Galaxy.

[Ben Brewcat]

Cool ideas guys! On that sonotube, don't the frames fall and crush bees when you take an end off (the frame rests appear to be incorporated in the tube cap)?

[Sundance]

Cool ideas guys! On that sonotube, don't the frames fall and crush bees when you take an end off (the frame rests appear to be incorporated in the tube cap)?

That sounds like a concern. Perhaps a retractable rod/dowel
could be used on one end as a frame rest?? Pop off the cap,
secure the frames, and slide the rod out. In any case, frame
removal from a tube would be harder than out of a box.

Gonna try anyway....