Worldwide Beekeeping
Beekeeping => Swarms, Cut Outs, Trap Outs and Bee Trees => Topic started by: Dunkel on April 03, 2015, 09:12:00 pm
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I set some out years ago and caught one. The past few years I have been using everything to put bees in. Going to put some out this year and have a few questions.
Frames- I have generated a few old ones that are rough, because everything even moth damaged is in use. Do they have to be full or just mostly. Also starter strips? I have some plasticell I could cut to make these. I can spare a pulled brood comb frame for each but that's about it.
Boxes- Same deal with boxes. I may be able to generate a couple because they need replacing. I may make up a couple deep nuc style. May opt for a 8 or 10 frame size. Do you allow for extra space at the bottom? Will painting the boxes this late interfere with their success?
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Some comb, even old rough ugly comb is better than nothing, but if you have nothing it does not rule out catching a swarm. I try to alternate foundation less frames with starter strips and a couple pieces of old comb.
As far as I can tell the size of the box should be about the size of a ten frame deep.. I have caught them in smaller boxes and even a nuc size box. That was with the tiny commercial lure vials AND Lemongrass oil.. I am hoping the swarm commander ups the anti a bit.
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Taking a hard look at some deeps today. I think I may have some prospects. Going to have to get some bt for the comb. Got some I may need to cull. Thanks for the advice Lazy.