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
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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?
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>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.
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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.
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thanks for the replies. I'll give it try.
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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/)
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Wow! Nicely done TJC. I like your setup.
Looks like you're hoping for a massive swarm too. :)
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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...
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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