Bee Tree Trap-Out Underway

[Greg Lowe]

Thanks for the info that everyone has contributed regarding how to do a trap-out (especially Mr. Cleo Hogan, Jr.). I am attempting my first trap-out and will update this post to let you know how it turns out.

The tree is just off a fairly busy county road. Being in such a highly visible site, I wasn't comfortable using good equipment so I built a "cheap" trap that wouldn't be a great loss. Hopefully, it will not get stolen over the next 6-8 weeks.

The link below shows pictures of the progress.
http://photobucket.com/Bee-Tree-Cut-Out

I already see a couple of things I would do differently (shorter transitions, smaller transitions, better stand for trap) but we'll see how it goes. I'm adopting an old farmer's advice that "Good enough is perfect". Hopefully everything works out.

This appears to be a very strong hive and they have been extremely gentle so far. I hope when I check it tomorrow the queen will be in the trap and I will have a nice start of bees from here. Since I'm a new beekeeper I don't have much drawn comb to use, so I gave them 1 frame with brood & larvae from one of my hives, 2 frames with some comb pieces from a cut out, 1 new frame w/ plastic foundation and 1 foundationless frame. I'm hoping they are crowded and will try to use the room to expand.