swarm trap?

[Michelle]

So since I have a few empty hives with pollen and some uncapped honey and combs already built. I put out 2 hives trying to catch a swarm. Do you think this will work? 1 hive I placed near the new hive, the other we put about 6ft off the ground at the back of the shed.

[Perry]

I would be inclined to leave some empty frames of foundation and perhaps just one frame of ugly comb in the swarm traps. Wax moth or something else may find those nice frames and make short order of them (wax moth, etc.).
When hives come back from pollination (you know who) they may throw some swarms and if they're close to you they may find those traps.

[Michelle]

yes they were the gross combs!

[robo]

There is no better swarm lure than old drawn comb.  But I agree with Perry,  if you don't treat them with Bt the wax moths will make destroy them in no time an ruin any chances of bees moving in.   I would advise against foundation,  either drawn comb or foundationless.   Foundation is foreign to the bees and just divide up the cavity and make it less appealing to them.

[G3farms]

I have found that that old propolis or slum gum out of the wax melter to draw bees in nothing flat. I just open the wax melter and they will appear from nowhere. Not saying that will bring you swarms, but most assuredly some curious bees which could be scouts.

[iddee]

I have never found anything better than a deadout with BT on all frames and comb.

[dmartin18]

How bad are wax moths in ns?

[Perry]

They exist, but if you store your comb securely after harvesting it doesn't usually present a problem. Once it freezes the problem takes care of itself. Leave a dead-out in the field though and they will find it and do their thing quick enough though.

[Lburou]

Michelle, brood comb is much better than honeycomb at attracting swarms.  About 5-6 drops of Lemongrass oil helps too. 

[Michelle]

thanks for all the info guys!

[Bakersdozen]

Michelle, I have had good luck using a nuc box, drawn comb, and Swarm Commander.  I have the nuc box facing south about 10 ft. up.  I also have the entrance reducer on.  I am not a carpenter.  Some of the guys on this forum will give you exact measurements, etc.  But as Jack, aka Brooksbeefarm, will tell you, a swarm will move into almost any equipment.

[Michelle]

soI have some bees that are checking out the swarm trap. I have seen some of them kind of flying from side to side over and over again and then they are going on their way. Is that maybe (crossing fingers) they are trying to remeber where it is for when they are swarming? These are not the same bees that I have in the split box. they are blacker and just different so I am getting excited!