flatrockboy's swarm trap stand

I initially used this type of mount but went to a french cleat. Extremely strong and easy quick to make. For my top bar swarm trap I use a double angled french cleat that is strong as all get out. (technical term)

French cleat is a good idea.

I attach a piece of 1x3 board vertically to the side of the box with overhang top and bottom, shim with sticks to level and screw into tree.

Yep, agree the french cleat is a good way to go. I made some last year. This year I simplified my hanging bracket, and am getting 8 ready to deploy in a couple weeks. Last year I painted the cleats and they wanted to stick together, so had to jar the box and fire up the bees to get the box lifted off. Those cleats I'll be rubbing with bar soap to see if that helps. The cleats I made this year I painted with a couple coats of tightbond III glue. They should be easier to deal with.

Soap should work. I rub a wax block on freshly painted boxes to keep them from sticking

I'm going to take a wild guess and say that flatrockboy and his wife are from Flat Rock??????

Good looking setup. Maybe you guys can snag some. I plan to put out some here and also some where I housed 2 swarms last year.

shannonswyatt, I had no idea what a french cleat was so I had to do a google search. I guess you're making yours out of wood. If so, are you cutting a 45 degree angle angle on the wood?

shannonswyatt said:

I initially used this type of mount but went to a french cleat. Extremely strong and easy quick to make. For my top bar swarm trap I use a double angled french cleat that is strong as all get out. (technical term)

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What is a French cleat? I had no idea folks stuck hives so high up in trees!

WBVC, a french cleat is generally what is used to hang stuff like cabinets against a wall. Very strong and simple to make. Here is an image from the google machine: http://stagingandredesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/frenchcleat1.jpg
The nice thing about the french cleat is that the more weight the stronger the hold up until the failing point of the anchor.

Brad, yes, I just ripped in an angle with a skil saw. For the double cleats I made two and set them at 45 degree angles. Very strong.

The reason I went this route was I could mount the receiving cleat to a 2x4 and get it square and then put the box in place without needing to strap it in place. And if I had a good location I could leave the cleat in place and bring the box back next year. I made the cleats for square boxes out of some scrap treated decking. For the double angled cleat I made them from 2x6 pressure treated lumber. The 2x6 double cleats were overkill, but you can make them really quick on a chop saw.