Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => General Beekeeping => Topic started by: Jen on March 29, 2021, 01:27:46 pm

Title: Swarm Bait
Post by: Jen on March 29, 2021, 01:27:46 pm

It's full on bee season here in upper northern California, but that doesn't mean that a foot of snow can show up next week.

My bee group is wondering what swarm bait is? It's something specially designed to entice a swarm into your swarm box set up. And you can buy it at Mann Lake I guess.

What is this swarm bait?

Title: Re: Swarm Bait
Post by: iddee on March 29, 2021, 02:02:26 pm

This is the best.

https://beezneedz.com/product/swarm-commander-spray/
https://beezneedz.com/product/swarm-commander-gel/

Title: Re: Swarm Bait
Post by: Jen on March 29, 2021, 02:20:29 pm

Okay. If I use this spray or gel, do I still need to put lemongrass oil and old frames of comb?

Title: Re: Swarm Bait
Post by: iddee on March 29, 2021, 06:14:32 pm

Not LGO. Frames to prevent a cutout and comb is a booster, not a necessity.

Title: Re: Swarm Bait
Post by: Jen on March 30, 2021, 12:04:53 am

Ordered some Swarm Commander for myself, suggested from Iddee today. Reviews on Amazon are very good.

All 5 of my hives made it thru winter this year. One hive has a 'laying machine queen' in it. I'm checking it every 5-7 days for queen cells. I'll set up a swarm trap on the bank behind our house, and use the Swarm commander. Here is a good vid on a commercial bee yard that is using Swarm Commander.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUHEg8IdnjA

Title: Re: Swarm Bait
Post by: Bakersdozen on March 30, 2021, 10:19:42 am

Swarm Commander is good.  They used to package it in small vials but it appears they don't do that any more.  I ordered some of the little crush glass tubes.

Title: Re: Swarm Bait
Post by: Gypsi on March 31, 2021, 11:21:36 pm

I use Swarm Commander. Come to think of it I probably should put some in my bait hive