[marcos bees]

I have two traps set out at the moment. One is just a 10 frame deep set on the roof of my shed. I have old comb in there and swarm commander. The trap is getting a lot of scout activity, but so far no bees have moved in. I am using a screened bottom board setup, but I have the white IPM insert in there to close things off.

I personally prefer solid bottom boards, but I am using what I have for the traps.

Do you think the closed off screen bottom boards are a turn off for the bees?

 

[Gray Goose]

no good if you are shopping for opinions

GG

 

[GregB]

Do you think the closed off screen bottom boards are a turn off for the bees?

Donno, as all my trapping hives are tight and stuffy.
I don't own any of those rattling screen bottom boards.

 

[marcos bees]

no good if you are shopping for opinions

GG

In that you're thinking bees would reject it as a new homesite?

 

[mtnmyke]

If it's dark enough in the box, with the insert, then you're fine and I wouldn't worry about it. Make sure you have an entrance reducer on to make it feel extra "cozy".

 

[marcos bees]

If it's dark enough in the box, with the insert, then you're fine and I wouldn't worry about it. Make sure you have an entrance reducer on to make it feel extra "cozy".

Thanks, yes I do have a reducer. I have seen 15-20 bees checking it out AND I do know there is someone with hives around. I put it on top of my shed b/c I used to get bees trying to get into the shed as that's where I kept my bee hive equipment, so they already knew the spot.

 

[GregB]

If it's dark enough in the box, with the insert,

Those inserts let too much light through (the white plastic ones).
As for me, I'd just slide in a sheet of corrugated cardboard - that should keep it dark.
Might as well, melt some wax/propolis onto it too.

Keep in mind, some desperate bees even home directly on open branches.
But of course, you'd rather improve your chances and do better than a branch.

 

[mtnmyke]

My inserts are all stained and black for years of use. So I've never had an issue.

But if it's new and bright white then yes, GregB has good points.

 

[Gray Goose]

In that you're thinking bees would reject it as a new homesite?

yes

they think it is too big of an opening to defend, they do not under stand "screen" they understand light and air.

sometimes a package will leave a box with Screened BB there are plenty examples.

try if you wish, IMO Screen BBs will catch less swarms than solid BBs

GG