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jfeist1968 New Bee
Joined: 08 May 2014 Posts: 9 Location: Harvard, Massachusetts USA
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Posted: Thu May 08, 2014 1:27 pm Post subject: Unused hives as swarm traps? |
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Is there a reason not to set up unused gear in the apiary with swarm lures in them?
I'm nearly done constructing a top bar hive, and have set out the first of several swarm traps I plan for this spring. But I wonder if the hive itself should be outside with a lure (not to mention, allure), rather than gathering dust in my basement, as I wait for bees.
--Jonathan |
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catchercradle Golden Bee

Joined: 31 May 2010 Posts: 1525 Location: Cambridge, UK
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Posted: Thu May 08, 2014 2:07 pm Post subject: |
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Also covered in another post but yes put the hive out as it saves you having to transfer the bees from the trap if they go straight in on their own. two drops lemon grass oil or rub the inside with Melissa oficianalis (lemon balm) |
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Carl and Petra Guard Bee
Joined: 29 Jun 2011 Posts: 74 Location: Blandford. Dorset. England
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Posted: Thu May 08, 2014 2:07 pm Post subject: |
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I don't see why not. My Warre hive was left out after i built it last year and it attracted a swarm. |
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WileyHunter Moderator Bee
Joined: 13 Jan 2014 Posts: 125 Location: Batesville, IN USA
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Posted: Thu May 08, 2014 10:40 pm Post subject: |
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I have a "standard" nuc box (5 frame) hanging in my yard, it's my swarm box, but until I get a call to retrieve a swarm, I'm letting it hang in hopes of attracting one. There've been a few honeybees scoping it out today. |
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