How long do cardboad swarm traps last

[Davidnewbeeboxbuilder]

Waxed not waxed, covered by plastet on top hanging up and advice. Thanks

[Mr.Beeman]

Way too many variables to give any kind of guesstimate and I've never used a cardboard one.

[shannonswyatt]

Seems a lot of folks say one season. My guess is that if you are in Arizona they last longer than Oregon.

[shannonswyatt]

On the other hand, I was wonder if one of these boxes would work for a swarm trap: http://www.bojangles.com/buzz/detail/bigbobox

About 18 liters internal size, a little under a 5 frame nuc. I picked up two for free by asking when I got some coffee. They fold flat so I'm going to leave them in the car in spring just in case I need something to put some bees in. The cardboard is coated but I don't think they would far well in weather and would fall apart if they started to pull out comb.

[Maryland Beekeeper]

I had one last the season. I coated outside w/ Wax-n-feed(@ home depot) beeswax and orange oil. I built a frame of 1/2x1/2 pine to reinforce inside. Going to try concrete forms (cardboard tube) next year.
Cheers,
Drew

[Stingboy]

I use a 6 gallon peet planter you get at the garden supply. Cover 3 of the 4 drain holes with screen then the 4th hole don't staple it shut all the way. leaving a longer tail so you can staple it shut when you collect it. The top is made with plywood plug with a sloping roof. Then starter strips covered with wax and propulis, fill a small container up with LGO i get off of e-bay. I've had 4 thats lasted years but i store them under the deck in the fall so the rain won't turn them to mush.
Ya got to love them free bee's! The weak swarms or swarms with virgins are combined to make some good hives.