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Post by cleanslatefarm on Jun 11, 2014 18:59:22 GMT 1
Is it necessary for a swarm trap to contain built out comb or can you use foundation? Haven't really seen this on any sites or boards. My guess is the queen will need something to start laying in, correct?
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Post by Admin on Jun 11, 2014 19:43:58 GMT 1
in the wild, bees swarms land on new areas where there are no combs
but if your intention is to trap them, you have to make the swarm trap standing out otherwise the chances of going there would be remote
I believe that the smell of the natural comb would help
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Post by edgallop on Aug 11, 2014 16:07:57 GMT 1
Drawn out combs are not needed. When I started out I used unused hive boxes with new foundations and shook swarms into them. I also dumped swarm near the entrance of a hive box while on the ground and they crawled in. They are eager to find a home. It would seem they would take to it faster if they don't detect queen pheromones so I avoid using boxes and frames fresh from another hive. I didn't know to place empty hive boxes nearby to encourage swarms to move into it, but I do now. However, I learned that they shouldn't be too close to the swarming hives or they will ignore them. I set them at least 50 to 75 feet away. Same reason you wouldn't place a hive close to where you want them to collect nectar. It's like they are blind when they first take off.
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