Hey Nath. After watching this video of you running traps, I grabbed my son and went out and made two swarm traps out of two 5 frame nuc boxes I had left over. I’m sure he was as excited as I was making them. He’s definitely got the bee keeping bug now. All my three boys sit on the couch and watch you are your adventures. You’ll appreciate it as a father seeing your kids actively engaged in something you enjoy. It’s the small moments. Sometimes it can be a little content heavy for them but they’re really into this part. So much so I got a lesson last night on how and why we use wax foundation, propolis and lemongrass oil from the middle child. Makes you smile. Keep on doing what your doing mate. I found you channel a while ago in its early stages and I’m so glad we did.
I really like your videos is to why I subscribed. Some other channels show too much of irrelevant information and I like how you explain everything. Look forward to more videos. Good luck this season
I have been enjoying your swarm trap system. One thing I have been doing is spraying the swarm commander inside the box entrance hole. Hoping it lasts a bit longer and even draws the bees in. I've also gone to using a single rope with a knot through a hole in the right horizontal corner up through a hole in both sides of the upper vertical support and then down through a 1/2 hole on the left horizontal corner. I leave some length (12 in or so) so that I can tie the last knot so that the bottom is level. Works great! Love your thinking!
@@DuckRiverHoney I opened them up and they were clustered in one corner of the box so I added a couple brood frames, some stores, a few bees and a frame feeder. Hope they do better in the next week or so.
@@DuckRiverHoney I'm hoping with the infusion of bees, brood and food they will get going. They were hanging there for 3 or 4 days and might have used up their resources.
Great video Nathan! Just put out 2 traps in the dark after work. Sometimes we have to squeeze in the time but I feel like its worth it. Like you said its fun to do
Thanks David! It does get hectic but after this year I hope I can scale back my equipment making and swarm trapping. I figure I’ll always try to trap a few swarms, they’re a great nuc source or emergency queen source if you need one.
Thanks for these videos very good. I now have 10 out but 4 are on my own property spread out a few acres. I have been watching the ones close to me and also haven't seen much activity here North of Knoxville. I saw a slight bit of activity 3 days ago then nothing for 2 days despite it being excellent weather. Yesterday evening I finally saw a scout bee go in and out a couple of times which was exciting. Redbuds already blooming here which usually coincides with start of swarm season in these parts. Hopefully the scout activity will increase soon.
Question--Wasps? I saw scout bees going in and out of one of my swarm traps. I also saw a red wasp exit. I came back at night with a flashlight to see if bees were inside. I discovered 2 very small (dime sized) beginnings of a wasp nest on the bottom of a frame. Do you patrol your boxes to keep wasps out (for fear the wasps will scare away the bees) or does it matter (e.g. bees will fend them off and wasps are not a deterrent)? Comment: Keep up the excellent videos. Most TH-cam bee channel videos are 20-30 minutes long which is a substantial investment for both the video provider and the subscriber. Because you get right to the point and you videos are full of useful information they are always a good investment on my end. So if its not wasting my time you can be advised you are not wasting your time!
Wasps can become an issue. I believe if a colony of 10,000 bees wants to move in that the wasps would get evicted. I've also had traps that ants tried to set up house in. I guess that goes with swarm trapping. Thanks for the encouragement! It means a lot, and you're right, these videos take a considerable amount of time.
Me and a friend have had 12 out for about 2 weeks and some have had some scouts checking them out. The rain every other day is putting them behind i think on swarming. Nice info and good luck 👍.
Just built several swarm traps from your video and got them sat out!! Now I just have to wait..... please keep us posted on which does better; swarm commander verses lemongrass! All I’m using is lemongrass this yr.
A easy way to make that trap is to use 3 medium 5 frames boxes. Attached together boxes with pcs of pipe hanger and medal stud screws on 45 angle both sides. Easy frame removable. Frames comb and foundation top 2 boxes bees have a lot build space. Bottom box empty with screw bottom board inside that removable no glue. figure 8 holes on long side. Take propolis scraping mix put in jar with rubbing alcohol shake, shake up . 1" brush all side conners and bottom conners. Hang with holes at eye level. a lite puff swarm spray once week in opening. OldDansBees Providence NC I do 2- 5 Frame deeps this way
How often do you check the traps? And if they are have just found it do you need to wait a few days for them to get established and get all the colony inside?
I try to get around to them all every week, or especially after rain as I believe it washes the lure at the entrance away. When to move them is a moving target, but if pollen is going in they’re probably ready to move. Wait too long and they’ll build comb below the frames.
Thanks for the valuable information. Question: Does your swarm traps sometimes become the Broodbox of the colony after you moved them or do you always have to move them to new hives?
Most of the time I use the box from the swarm trap as their nuc box. It's simpler that way. I am using a couple of used deep boxes with medium frames as swarm traps this year, and I'll have to transfer the frames out of those.
Where are you located at what time of the month is it I enjoy your speech your comments in regards to bees what you do and how you do it but I like to know a few more things so I know where you're at and how to do where i'm at in carterville illinois
You mentioned in the past you may have concerns about people running off or messing with your hives or equipment. Have you had much of a problem with that?
No I don't see bees using it much if at all. I try to list several things blooming in case someone knows a specific bloom time or plant in their area. Right now we're in late pear / peach, early redbud for instance.
Thanks for the video, I'm from northeast Ohio, how do u control the undesirable bugs from taking over the swarm traps, that seems to be all I've been catching. Thanks
I don’t put honey or pollen in the trap, so there’s no reason for small hive beetles, little reason for wax moth (they may still like cocoons), and little reason for ants.
Interesting , what do you for a work , electrician, plumber , carpenter, farmer , Peter Australia , future video of training the neighbour in bee keeping would be good .
Much more random than that. I lead a small company that makes high end backpacking gear. My background is business, digital marketing, product design, writing....I’m a bit of a polymath. I started this channel partly because I wanted to learn video production and editing.
@@DuckRiverHoney In a trap. We get them early in Florida. I didn’t find the Queen but I feel confident they are hived because they are doing orientation flights and fanning the entrance. I have had them leave my hives after transferring them before. I’ll know in a day or two if I see pollen being brought in. Good video. Excellent sound. What mic are you using.
Hi from Australia. Looking at getting started in Bee keeping. Buying a nuc here is $220+ so would be great if i can trap some for free. Your videos have been extremely valuable. Thanks.
Hey Nath. After watching this video of you running traps, I grabbed my son and went out and made two swarm traps out of two 5 frame nuc boxes I had left over. I’m sure he was as excited as I was making them. He’s definitely got the bee keeping bug now. All my three boys sit on the couch and watch you are your adventures. You’ll appreciate it as a father seeing your kids actively engaged in something you enjoy. It’s the small moments.
Sometimes it can be a little content heavy for them but they’re really into this part.
So much so I got a lesson last night on how and why we use wax foundation, propolis and lemongrass oil from the middle child.
Makes you smile.
Keep on doing what your doing mate. I found you channel a while ago in its early stages and I’m so glad we did.
Wayne, thanks so much for that. Feedback like that makes it worth all the extra work to put these out.
Great information and video. Keep the videos coming. God bless you, your family, and your apiary.
Thanks Joann!
I sure appreciate what you are doing! these videos are great!
I hope you will Bee Blessed with many swarms!
Thanks for the encouragement!
I really like your videos is to why I subscribed. Some other channels show too much of irrelevant information and I like how you explain everything. Look forward to more videos. Good luck this season
Thanks, I appreciate it!
I have been enjoying your swarm trap system. One thing I have been doing is spraying the swarm commander inside the box entrance hole. Hoping it lasts a bit longer and even draws the bees in. I've also gone to using a single rope with a knot through a hole in the right horizontal corner up through a hole in both sides of the upper vertical support and then down through a 1/2 hole on the left horizontal corner. I leave some length (12 in or so) so that I can tie the last knot so that the bottom is level. Works great! Love your thinking!
Thanks Dan, good luck!
I set out 3 this year I like beekeeping and love doing videos on them and doing more this season
Thanks! Bees are a ton of fun (and work :).
I love free bees. I collected my first swarm yesterday! Thanks!
That is awesome!
@@DuckRiverHoney I opened them up and they were clustered in one corner of the box so I added a couple brood frames, some stores, a few bees and a frame feeder. Hope they do better in the next week or so.
Was it a real small swarm? They can be tough to get straightened out, especially early in the season with cool nights.
@@DuckRiverHoney I'm hoping with the infusion of bees, brood and food they will get going. They were hanging there for 3 or 4 days and might have used up their resources.
Poor things.
Great video Nathan! Just put out 2 traps in the dark after work. Sometimes we have to squeeze in the time but I feel like its worth it. Like you said its fun to do
Thanks David! It does get hectic but after this year I hope I can scale back my equipment making and swarm trapping. I figure I’ll always try to trap a few swarms, they’re a great nuc source or emergency queen source if you need one.
Thank you for posting - enjoyed your explanations of where and why in your trap placements.
Thanks!
Another great video. You have a great trapping system.
Thanks Randal, you too!
Thanks 😊for the info 👍
I hope you catch some swarms. I will be putting out swarm traps here in West Virginia in April. Thanks for a great video buddy.
Thanks Mark!
Howdy from a fellow West Virginian!
@@adryawebb2556 Hello I am from up here in Mon county on the pa border.
@@strugglingbeekeepermarkcot9642 I live in Morgantown.
Thanks for these videos very good. I now have 10 out but 4 are on my own property spread out a few acres. I have been watching the ones close to me and also haven't seen much activity here North of Knoxville. I saw a slight bit of activity 3 days ago then nothing for 2 days despite it being excellent weather. Yesterday evening I finally saw a scout bee go in and out a couple of times which was exciting. Redbuds already blooming here which usually coincides with start of swarm season in these parts. Hopefully the scout activity will increase soon.
Redbud is just getting going here. By the way, I went to UTK, used to trout fish the Clinch below Norris, love that river.
Question--Wasps? I saw scout bees going in and out of one of my swarm traps. I also saw a red wasp exit. I came back at night with a flashlight to see if bees were inside. I discovered 2 very small (dime sized) beginnings of a wasp nest on the bottom of a frame. Do you patrol your boxes to keep wasps out (for fear the wasps will scare away the bees) or does it matter (e.g. bees will fend them off and wasps are not a deterrent)?
Comment: Keep up the excellent videos. Most TH-cam bee channel videos are 20-30 minutes long which is a substantial investment for both the video provider and the subscriber. Because you get right to the point and you videos are full of useful information they are always a good investment on my end. So if its not wasting my time you can be advised you are not wasting your time!
Wasps can become an issue. I believe if a colony of 10,000 bees wants to move in that the wasps would get evicted. I've also had traps that ants tried to set up house in. I guess that goes with swarm trapping. Thanks for the encouragement! It means a lot, and you're right, these videos take a considerable amount of time.
Great video! I've got 13 swarm traps set out too. Good luck with your bees.
Thanks!
Me and a friend have had 12 out for about 2 weeks and some have had some scouts checking them out. The rain every other day is putting them behind i think on swarming. Nice info and good luck 👍.
Thanks Michael, good luck to you!
Just built several swarm traps from your video and got them sat out!! Now I just have to wait..... please keep us posted on which does better; swarm commander verses lemongrass! All I’m using is lemongrass this yr.
Will do, good luck!
A easy way to make that trap is to use 3 medium 5 frames boxes. Attached together boxes with pcs of pipe hanger and medal stud screws on 45 angle both sides. Easy frame removable. Frames comb and foundation top 2 boxes bees have a lot build space. Bottom box empty with screw bottom board inside that removable no glue. figure 8 holes on long side. Take propolis scraping mix put in jar with rubbing alcohol shake, shake up . 1" brush all side conners and bottom conners. Hang with holes at eye level. a lite puff swarm spray once week in opening. OldDansBees Providence NC I do 2- 5 Frame deeps this way
How often do you check the traps? And if they are have just found it do you need to wait a few days for them to get established and get all the colony inside?
I try to get around to them all every week, or especially after rain as I believe it washes the lure at the entrance away. When to move them is a moving target, but if pollen is going in they’re probably ready to move. Wait too long and they’ll build comb below the frames.
Thanks for the valuable information. Question: Does your swarm traps sometimes become the Broodbox of the colony after you moved them or do you always have to move them to new hives?
Most of the time I use the box from the swarm trap as their nuc box. It's simpler that way. I am using a couple of used deep boxes with medium frames as swarm traps this year, and I'll have to transfer the frames out of those.
Just came across you channel some great videos :)
Thanks, I appreciate it!
What is the depth of the bottom spacer? I have not run across a video detailing that yet I might just not have found it yet.
great info thanks
I appreciate it Mark!
Got to love some FreeBees!🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
Thanks!
Where are you located at what time of the month is it I enjoy your speech your comments in regards to bees what you do and how you do it but I like to know a few more things so I know where you're at and how to do where i'm at in carterville illinois
Hi Francis, I'm in Middle Tennessee.
Interesting video, did you start your apiary with swarms you caught?
Mostly. I actually started with 4 swarms, one DOA, another failed so I had two. Swarms put me into winter with 9 hives.
You mentioned in the past you may have concerns about people running off or messing with your hives or equipment. Have you had much of a problem with that?
Not yet, but it could happen. As I start putting bees in more outyard it becomes more of a risk.
*Now we wait 🙂*
I've got a strong feeling that 3/24 is the start date for beekeeper error caused overcrowding swarms in my area......
@@DuckRiverHoney Same around here
Do you get bees on forsythia? Around here, the bees just ignore it, but I do see flies on it. We might have different varieties though.
No I don't see bees using it much if at all. I try to list several things blooming in case someone knows a specific bloom time or plant in their area. Right now we're in late pear / peach, early redbud for instance.
Thanks for the video, I'm from northeast Ohio, how do u control the undesirable bugs from taking over the swarm traps, that seems to be all I've been catching. Thanks
I don’t put honey or pollen in the trap, so there’s no reason for small hive beetles, little reason for wax moth (they may still like cocoons), and little reason for ants.
Interesting , what do you for a work , electrician, plumber , carpenter, farmer , Peter Australia , future video of training the neighbour in bee keeping would be good .
Much more random than that. I lead a small company that makes high end backpacking gear. My background is business, digital marketing, product design, writing....I’m a bit of a polymath. I started this channel partly because I wanted to learn video production and editing.
Caught one two days ago. Already hived them.
Awesome! Caught by hand or in a trap?
@@DuckRiverHoney In a trap. We get them early in Florida. I didn’t find the Queen but I feel confident they are hived because they are doing orientation flights and fanning the entrance. I have had them leave my hives after transferring them before. I’ll know in a day or two if I see pollen being brought in. Good video. Excellent sound. What mic are you using.
Thanks! That one was shot on a GoPro with the media mod. It did take some audio editing to clean it up a little.
I was hoping to see a video of captured swarms
This playlist has most of them. th-cam.com/play/PLLlnDWYPBEifFUrAfmfC6CqFn57cTXDWB.html
Hi from Australia.
Looking at getting started in Bee keeping. Buying a nuc here is $220+ so would be great if i can trap some for free. Your videos have been extremely valuable. Thanks.
Awesome, thanks for the kind words. Good luck catching bees!
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