What's in your Freeman Beetle Trap?

[Wandering Man]

Vegetable oil is messy. And I think it was attracting black ants. My trays were full of gunky oil and ants today.

The last time I emptied my trays I rinsed out the trays in my back yard, after dumping the gunk in the trash.

I found my dogs licking the mud where I had run the water.

This time, I did the rinse where the dogs can't go. 

And, this time I've replaced the oil with soapy water.

Is there going to be an unintended consequence with the soapy water?

[apisbees]

It will evaporate quicker than oil will.

[G3farms]

I found that veggie oil will go rancid after a little while in the summer heat and humidity.

Now using swifter sheets, uncented

[Wandering Man]

I found that veggie oil will go rancid after a little while in the summer heat and humidity.

Now using swifter sheets, uncented

In a freeman board? Do you line the tray?

[Wandering Man]

I'm putting soapy water in the trays right now, and thankful for the comment about evaporation. I'm adding about a pint of soapy water a day to each hive.

If I didn't watch them, they'd go dry in a couple of days.

I'll switch back to oil if I go out of town for more than a couple of days.

[mgstei1]

Mineral Oil
Only takes the thickness of a beetle about1/8" over entire tray.

[Wandering Man]

I switched back to vegetable oil, and have been trying to fill the tray above the ridges. Mgstei1, You've made me realize that I probably don't need to fill the trays that full.

Thanks.