I friend of mine has a colony of bees inside of his concrete block basement wall. Today I set up for a trap out by setting an empty hive, and making a new hole in the blocks for the bees to exit through - the one they are using now is behind the electric meter base, and would be hard to use. After I knocked the 1 1/2" hole in the block core a few bees came out so I know it is accessible for them. Over the next few days I will plug up the old hole so they will use the new one, then I will put a frame of brood in the hive, and install the trap out cone. I read Robo's how to, as well as some other trap out stories on here - very helpful.
I know that catching the queen is a low probability thing, but I don't see any reason not to at least try - The colony is about 3 years old so I figure it must be doing something right.
There is a wooded area that starts about 50 yards away, and I can hang a swarm trap either at the edge of the woods or inside the woods. I gather that it should be at least 100 yards away and about 10 feet off the ground.
My question: Would farther be better? Is it better to be in a tree that is in the open or actually inside the woods?
Any other placement tips?
I figure that I should set the swarm trap in less than 2 weeks from starting the trap out. I'm thinking I'll use a slightly used hive body (by swapping one out of my only hive) with empty frames and starter strips with a cork hole near the bottom and plywood on top and bottom (with lemon grass oil) as a trap. I don't have any drawn comb.
With a little luck this might make my dream of having more than one hive before winter come true - without setting back my package (not much anyway) that is showing signs of promise.
The luck is going to be picking a frame with eggs - so far I can't see them, I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet - take off my veil, and wear my reading glasses.
What do you think?