Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => Products Of The Hive => Topic started by: efmesch on January 23, 2014, 01:46:33 pm

Title: Benefits of using propolis traps
Post by: efmesch on January 23, 2014, 01:46:33 pm

Question: Do those who have used propolis traps find that there is less propolis deposited on other parts of the hive---places where we, the beekeepers, find the propolis to be a nuisance?   If so, it might be worth using them just in order to keep the rest of the hive less sticky and gummed up.
Anyone who has experience with propolis traps is invited to respond.

Title: Re: Benefits of using propolis traps
Post by: skydiver on January 29, 2014, 07:42:33 pm

I have though it might help just as you have, and put one on a hive. On this one hive trial they just seemed to do as before plus filled the trap. Bees will be bees just as boys will be boys.  :laugh:

Title: Re: Benefits of using propolis traps
Post by: efmesch on January 30, 2014, 02:34:53 am

Thanks Skydi......it was a good thought. O:-)

Title: Re: Benefits of using propolis traps
Post by: Bakersdozen on February 02, 2014, 12:20:25 pm

Quote from: efmesch on January 30, 2014, 02:34:53 am

Thanks Skydi......it was a good thought. O:-)

Yes, it was.  I have been thinking along these lines myself.  I plan to add a propolis trap to a hive this year as my goal is to experiment with tinctures and such.  I was wondering if honey production would be reduced because the workers would focus on gathering tree resins and making propolis in stead of nectar.  Is the characteristics of one colony more desirable for propolis collecting than another and what are those characteristics?  I know some colonies are zealots when it comes to gluing everything down.  Anyone have any answers?