Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: wtiger on March 21, 2008, 06:19:13 pm

Title: securing cardboard nucs as swarm traps
Post by: wtiger on March 21, 2008, 06:19:13 pm
I just bought a few cardboard nucs.  I was wondering if anyone else uses them as swarm traps and how they secure them up in a tree?  I don't particularly want to nail into the tree.  Would tying nylon cord around the hive and hoisting it up be secure enough or would the bees pass up a trap that swayes in the wind?
Title: Re: securing cardboard nucs as swarm traps
Post by: Michael Bush on March 21, 2008, 07:09:50 pm
>I just bought a few cardboard nucs.  I was wondering if anyone else uses them as swarm traps

I have used the waxed ones and the plastic ones.

> and how they secure them up in a tree?

I tied them in a crotch.

>  I don't particularly want to nail into the tree.

I wouldn't work very well either.

>  Would tying nylon cord around the hive and hoisting it up be secure enough or would the bees pass up a trap that swayes in the wind?

I would blow down and it would sway in the wind.  I tied around one end, then around the tree then around the other end.  You can make this one continuous loop if you like.
Title: Re: securing cardboard nucs as swarm traps
Post by: Robo on March 22, 2008, 08:05:22 am
I haven't used cardboard nucs,  but I wedge mine in the crotch of the tree and lash it down with some rope.   This should work for the cardboard nucs as well.  Especially since the cardboard will give a little so you can get a nice tight rope.
Title: Re: securing cardboard nucs as swarm traps
Post by: wtiger on March 22, 2008, 04:43:14 pm
thanks for the replies.  I'll give it try.
Title: Re: securing cardboard nucs as swarm traps
Post by: tjc1 on July 03, 2013, 02:30:37 pm
Here is what I did - pretty simple and sturdy. I lightly nailed two pieces of strapping on either side of a crotch, put a peice of plywood over the top as a rain cover, and wrapped bungee cords around and hooked them over the strapping.

(http://s9.postimg.org/bc2bdttjf/IMG_4602.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/bc2bdttjf/)

(http://s9.postimg.org/a7898g72j/IMG_4603.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/a7898g72j/)

(http://s9.postimg.org/madkw0i4r/IMG_4604.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/madkw0i4r/)
Title: Re: securing cardboard nucs as swarm traps
Post by: BlueBee on July 03, 2013, 07:33:52 pm
Wow!  Nicely done TJC.  I like your setup.

Looks like you're hoping for a massive swarm too. :)
Title: Re: securing cardboard nucs as swarm traps
Post by: tjc1 on July 03, 2013, 08:15:35 pm
Trying to get a swarm form an old (15+ year) feral hive that is living in the woodwork of our former school building - they're the ones who got me into this whole sport after watching them year after year in the recess yard! The building, vacant now for 3 years, has been sold to be redeveloped, and I'm working with the town and a local removal beek to try to cut them out soon. In the meantime, just in case...
Title: Re: securing cardboard nucs as swarm traps
Post by: JP on July 03, 2013, 08:22:40 pm
Not trying to be a party pooper but they don't hold up well in inclimate weather. Keep an eye on that & all is well.


...JP