Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Make up a bait box from an old hive body (a full-depth Langstroth size is
recommended), although it is best to use a hive body you currently employ in your
apiary. Ensure this is free from disease.
Fit it with a floor without an entrance and make a lid.
Put in two old combs that are free of disease and another two of foundation.
Close the box and drill a hole ½ in (10 mm) in diameter near the bottom of the
box's front.
Place the bait hive 3 ft (1 m) above the ground, away from direct sunlight and in a
place that is sheltered from high winds.
If a swarm enters, when the bees have ceased flying, transfer them to the appropriate
hive and return the bait hive to its original position.
After a couple of days, treat the swarm for varroa.
This method is very inexpensive - you simply use old kit and just sit and wait. However,
if the box is left too long, wax moth may become a problem and, if the weather is hot,
the foundation may buckle (unless a plastic foundation is used).
A variation on this method is to use foundation only and a pheromone lure (nasonov
pheromone - see below). This is, however, more expensive than the previous method.
Commercial swarm lures are also available.
When setting swarm traps and baiting swarms, remember the following:
Propolis and other remnant hive odours are powerful attractants to scout bees
(this is the most likely scenario in nature).
Swarms generally prefer hives containing propolis to those that do not.
Swarms prefer hives containing old comb to than hives with remnant odours but
no old comb.
