Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: BowEd on March 29, 2020, 04:38:08 pm

Title: Honey bee swarm traps
Post by: BowEd on March 29, 2020, 04:38:08 pm
It's that time of year to catch rouge honey swarms.The bees will be getting more active soon.
I use a couple of these to catch them and transfer them to a hive box.
The way I understand it a scout is looking for a place.Brings the queen to it and the rest of the hive comes along with her.Over past springs we've caught quite a few.I sell the hives if I get more than I want.
(https://i.imgur.com/pbsIaRX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DmhBC4b.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/w7otZNN.jpg)
Title: Re: Honey bee swarm traps
Post by: JW_Halverson on March 29, 2020, 09:43:41 pm
You can buy pheromone baits that will attract homeless swarms, too. Never hurts to have an ace in the hole, so to speak.
Title: Re: Honey bee swarm traps
Post by: BowEd on March 29, 2020, 11:13:27 pm
JW....Yes if you had looked close enough you see a used pheromone queen bee cage hanging from one of the frames.The scent from that is still on there.I've heard lemon attracts them also.We've had bees for quite a while here at our place and I've helped a local big time honey distributor here out with his bees also.Ha has swarm traps set up all over the place also.
Title: Re: Honey bee swarm traps
Post by: YosemiteBen on April 03, 2020, 12:10:27 am
Very Nice- More time than I want to invest!
Title: Re: Honey bee swarm traps
Post by: BowEd on April 03, 2020, 06:33:15 am
This fella I mentioned and me sell the over run of hives we don't need.$150.00 a hive with queen.Seems there is a trend these days of people wanting their own bee hives to make their own honey.
Title: Re: Honey bee swarm traps
Post by: Knocker on April 08, 2020, 06:27:19 pm
I've kept old western hive bodies out for years, but can never seem to catch a swarm that way.  I might have to see if I can find some of the pheromone you mentioned.  I used to keep bees, but I'm not willing to pay what a package of bees costs anymore.
Title: Re: Honey bee swarm traps
Post by: JW_Halverson on April 08, 2020, 06:40:51 pm
New colonies are selling for $200.  No wonder Ed and I are looking to catch swarms!