Natural Beekeeping International Forum

[Thebigflyin]

Hi guys

I am not sure if this is the correct place for this? but here goes anyhow.

I am now building swarm traps for next spring.

however I want to know as soon as the bees move in so I can move them whilst they are still in the moving mood, to reduce trauma or what what.

So I am looking into some ideas of electronic activated remote alarms.

the QUESTION I have is : what is the best "activating key"

would a temperature be the best?
so if a swarm moves in the temperature would then rise to?? and stay constant for ?? time , then this would set the alarm.

Or sound, or movement
or block a beam
or mass of trap increases??

I think the temperature sensor would use the least amount of power? but I am no expert.

OK I know some will ask why all this money on a bee trap??

1. I work a 9 to 5 job
2. I am organising private land and do not want to be over intrusive.
3. I intend putting up quite a few over a large area.
4. I would like to house them with in 24 hours of them moving in
5. with bee packages costing £200.00 + - I don't have to have to many success to justify the cost, and given the choice, I would rather spend the money on trapping a local swarm then buying some random swarm??

realy hope some one can help

thank you all in advance

Kevi

[AndyC]

Considering the various compromises in mounting Etc I would plump for temperature.

A rise from mean over a short period towards 35degrees could work.

Of course it could also mean the box has been torched . . . . . .

On design of the boxes have you seen my post on my latest swarm?

[Thebigflyin]

Hello AndyC

thank you for the response. yes i think temp is the best way to go.

I like you water tank swarm trap!!

I to have had swarms , two in fact this year.. very much a case of "build it and they will come"

I now have taken two "honey boxes" from my HAH hive and strapped them together to make a trap. time will tell.

http://ecape1820.tripod.com/alternativebeehive/