Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => Swarms, Cut Outs, Trap Outs and Bee Trees => Topic started by: Grandma Bear on December 19, 2020, 01:05:34 pm

Title: Central MO best time to start setting out swarm traps?
Post by: Grandma Bear on December 19, 2020, 01:05:34 pm
We usually try to have swarm traps set out just before the maples bloom, and never fail to catch several swarms a year... I'm just wondering though if there is a better time, or a more specific window of early opportunity that I may be missing
Title: Re: Central MO best time to start setting out swarm traps?
Post by: Bakersdozen on December 19, 2020, 06:30:02 pm
I would start watching when I see drones flying.  Look for capped drone cells and then put up your swarm traps.  They won't swarm before the drones are mature enough to mate.  Here in the Kansas City area we start seeing swarms in April.
Title: Re: Central MO best time to start setting out swarm traps?
Post by: Grandma Bear on December 19, 2020, 07:27:11 pm
Sounds like we are just about right then :)