hello Holly, I'm on my second bee-vac. My first was of my own design using nested five gallon buckets. Bee losses were in an un-acceptable level. I then built the bee vac that is featured in the plans section of Beesource. Bee losses are a whole lot lower, due to the better ventilation. Just bee aware that temperature is critical when the bees are caged and time is of the essence when the temperature is high. I've even transported my caged bees in the front of my truck with the AC on high. Very little heat kill that way, but you always have some stragglers on the outside of the cage, thus loose in your car. You draw some funny looks from passing motorists if your driving while wearing your bee veil! Ask my how I know! Anthony