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Just curious whether it's worth the effort.
Caught three last summer. Actually, three swarms found three of my empty hives and moved in. No effort at all.Just curious whether it's worth the effort.
Wow. That would be great.I have caught more swarms in stored supers than swarm traps.
It seems to help if you leave them in a location that you would never want bees. Examples...By a door, in back of truck on pool deck!I have caught more swarms in stored supers than swarm traps.
Unless you are in a perpetually warm climate, wax moths this time of year should not be a big problem. There are more bee trees around than you might realize. Put out a saucer of honey in an area where you think there are no bees and see how many visitors you get.I know there's a danger of wax moths if you leave built up frames out there hoping a swarm will make it home. What if you used foundationless frames in there? You could always keep boxes out "just in case" without having to worry about other invaders - no?
I doubt there are more than a few beekeepers within a few miles of me, tho. Chances of a swarm happening my way are probably slim, unless it's my own.
Same hear I am afraid. Checked 4 "long term" bee trees and only one survived the winter. Not doing any better than the beeks I am sorry to report.I have caught a few, but I only set out a few traps a year. This year I may put out more than usual but I am not hoping for much as the winter took its toll on the bees around here and killed a bunch of hives, both managed and wild.