I'll be doing a presentation for our club on Swarm Traps in the next month, as I do almost every year around this time. I've been pretty successful in catching swarms in the past years (about 15/yr.) and base my presentation on my experiences, and things I have glommed from all of you on this site.
Have any of you learned anything new in swarm trapping in the past year? Any new techniques, or swarm lures that you care to share? Anyone tried those Swarm boxes Dadant has to offer? Always willing to give credit where credit is due if you have something new and cool in the old art of trapping.
I laid out my presentation around the 3 basic principles. Scent, Accommodation, and Location.
Scent - Old comb, old box, swarm lures, all the good smells
Accommodation - ~10 frame deep box, yellow comb, open space with starter strips, small entrance, no air flow
Location - Where the bees are, entrance down wind, 4-20 feet high, partial shade.
I'd be glad to share my presentation if you are planning on doing a presentation for your club this spring. Thanks in advance for any additions or insights.
Happy new year to all.
Cheers, Phil in Fremont.
Have any of you learned anything new in swarm trapping in the past year? Any new techniques, or swarm lures that you care to share? Anyone tried those Swarm boxes Dadant has to offer? Always willing to give credit where credit is due if you have something new and cool in the old art of trapping.
I laid out my presentation around the 3 basic principles. Scent, Accommodation, and Location.
Scent - Old comb, old box, swarm lures, all the good smells
Accommodation - ~10 frame deep box, yellow comb, open space with starter strips, small entrance, no air flow
Location - Where the bees are, entrance down wind, 4-20 feet high, partial shade.
I'd be glad to share my presentation if you are planning on doing a presentation for your club this spring. Thanks in advance for any additions or insights.
Happy new year to all.
Cheers, Phil in Fremont.