Good stuff Mike. It’s funny how people tell you how you “need” to do it their way. I say folks should just do what works best for them. I love Swarm Commander and figure $30 to catch 15 or 20 swarms or more is not too bad. I absolutely feel the same about hanging them at a height you can reach. No need to hang them the “ideal” height of 14’ or whatever “they” say it is. Just reach up in the tree from the ground and hook it up there. I agree 100 percent that whatever works for you is what you should do. People have been catching swarms with old comb and lemon grass oil for many years. Heck some people swear that old comb is all you need. And that has proved to be true at times as I have had swarms move into abandoned or absconded hives sitting out at the beeyard. I have seen over the years that you have a system. Actually very similar to mine. Tried. Proven. True. Keep up the good work and keep the videos coming!
Good Video as Always!😂🤣😂😆😆😆 this one was funny too! Haven't you heard you're supposed to burn your equipment until it's charred so it mimics a lightning struck tree😂🤣😂😆😆😆🤪
I set my traps up basically the same way. I put a foundation on each end, old brood comb in the middle and starter strips on everything else with an 8 inch void at the bottom. Love your how to video!! LOL!!!!!! Thanks Mike!!!
Yep Rodney, just about the same. Only thing is, you have a lot more drive in you since you put out way more than I do...LOL!! Too much work, ha, ha, ha!!
@@MikeBarryBees To me it's like trolling for fish because I don't know where they're at yet. For you it's like going to your favorite fishing hole. Thanks!
Some of my favourite repeat swarm trap locations have been bait boxes sitting on a picnic table, on a plant stand under an apple tree, and on the back deck (a low deck, just about 3 ft off the ground). I'm too old to be climbing, and there's no reason to when I can catch multiple feral swarms a year, all no higher than 4 feet off the ground. It was great seeing that bee already checking your trap out. Best of luck to you this swarm season.
Last year you really helped me. I was feeling down and had many false alarms. You had said that there was going to be another opportunity. Y’all are probably about 2 weeks ahead of us blooming wise so I always listen to where y’all are. Well sure enough - I was able to be home to see the swarm arrive. Such a magical experience!! Very special!!
Wow, thanks Jennifer!! I am humbled that I was able to encourage you. And yes, such an awesome and overwhelming sight to see a swarm move in. Just an amazing thing no matter ho many times I see it.
Sounds like you have a lucky box and a lucky spot there Mike. Funny because we have only ever used Lemongrass oil in ours. Works like a charm!. Another great video!
I feel like it’s been a good place for me Dawn. Went down today finally and freshened them up. Didn’t see any scouts which was off, but it was late and blowing and very cloudy, so who knows?? Appreciate you!
Thanks Mark and I'll be looking out for your swarm catches on TH-cam. Hope you fill all the boxes again!! Still haven't gotten to your final trapping video, but that is on tap soon!!
great video Mr. Mike , caught my first swarm last year , can't wait to go set mine out and that was a good tip about the ladder I'm 52 and the taught of falling from a ladder gets worst the order I get have a bless day.
Thanks Mike for what you do. You tell it like it is- down to earth advise. Saw you at conference in TN , but didn't get to speak to you. I will next year. 😁
Yep, they seem to work, so I don't try to improve on success. Now in the bee yard,....well, that's a whole different thing there. Wish I had the success in the bee yard like I catch swarms...LOL!!
Hey Mike I set my traps like you do and have great luck. I'm gonna add some cedar chips on the bottom to drive away wax moths, Conrad in Ohio, Beekkeeping in Ohio
I don't use the straw but I do use q tips soaked in lemongrass oil. Just toss them in the entrance. It works for me. And I'm cheap too. Lol. 100% agree no ladder needed. When you fall, those bees just got expensive. I watched a swarm move into a hive I had set up on the ground. Going 20 feet up is a waist of time and effort.
@@MikeBarryBees use it. Its common sense. Good luck with the swarm traps. I must say my favorite part of bee keeping is setting out swarm traps and catching swarms
Thanks for sharing Mike. I'm going to put up my swarm traps in a couple of weeks. I built three traps last year and caught a swarm in each. It was really fun to catch wild bees. I used swarm commander and two frames of old comb with a frame or two of foundation and the rest were empty frames. I also put them up about as high as you put yours. I did use a ladder just to help, but I can easily grab the trap from the ground. The bees didn't care.
Oh, you're welcome and thank you for watching Thomas!! I agree for sure. I don't need more bees, but it's too much fun catching them. And since this area yields really great queens, I figure I'll have my swarm fun right there. Yea, ladders for just getting them from a rung or two isn't a big deal to me, it's seeing when folks are going up high to hang them. It's no problem going up, but if a big swarm moves in and they begin building, they're so doggone heavy.
As if you really need more bees. LOL It must be fun to catch some free bees and get out in the spring and enjoy the beauty of nature. Good luck Mike. Great interview with the Gang the other day.
Yep, earlier the better I always say. You guy's weather up that way really is so similar. Hard to believe, but it is, so I imagine scouts are already looking.
Hey Mike, Avoyelles parish here. Starting this year built 4 traps ready to set them out. Have two ferrel hives within a couple hundred yards from me. Love your videos. Hope everything works out for me.
@@MikeBarryBees I'm actually looking forward to it. Trying to get used to putting myself out there with this TH-cam thing. I will be definitely looking for your updates on your channel. God bless
Thank you for the video, Mike. I've been feeding some bees from who knows where all winter, and I planned to build a few swarm traps in case these little darlins decide to look for a new home. I don't have any old comb, but I did have old scrap pallet wood to build the case with so it doesn't smell like new pine. I do have old beeswax from another woodworker so I melted some of it to put on some of the new frames just to make it smell less new. After watching this video I decided to make a few more boxes with something resembling starter strips to spread my new frames out through a few more traps. I have the lemongrass oil already, and I think I'll try that straw method. I'll let you know how it goes.
Sheila, sounds like you have it worked out well and I imagine that should do the trick. That old box I show in the video was exactly as yours, and old pallet. It caught right off the bat and has been successful since.
Scrap pallet wood is a good idea and most pallets would be just fine. You do need to pay attention to the wood though. I have seen pallets that have had stuff spilled on them. No telling what was spilled and because of that I would not be inclined to use that particular wood.
Already got a few out myself. Swarm commander is good but i have learned it only takes a drop or they will build on the outside of the box. I also used lemon grass oil and had great luck with it. I have 1 box that caught 5 Swarms last year and I baited it 1 time and the rest was just the bee smell .Great video and hope you have great luck. ❤🐝
Wow, built on the outside!! Strong stuff. I agree on the smell. Once bees have been in there more will come. Some folks only use old comb (Mr. Ed) and he catches a lot. Trust me, he will remind me......lol!
Well MR.. Barry i can only promise one thing about my comments. I never tell a beekeeper his/her business. I will comment on behavior during a video though. Hope you get a lot of bees in there papa😁 ( that's my Mr. Ed smile)
mike, I use both swarm commander and lemon grass, like you say both work great. i am in Indiana and I catch 5-7 swarms every year. the 1 thing i have found out over the years of putting out swarm boxes is, always smear as much propolis as you can to the inside of the boxes. before I found out to do this, I did not catch as many swarms.
im thinking swarmcommander inside under lid back corner,and lemongrass on entrance to make them interested to enter,had some slum gum juice to coat the new osb wood smell,...i like your idea for open cavity,and start strips n old frames
Yes, the starter strips have done well in the past, should've never gotten away from them. But still no guarantee. The bees have in an instance prior torn them out and went rogue on me. But for the most part, it's been successful.
I would think the open cavity would appeal to larger swarms that would otherwise turn their noses up at boxes with no cavity, where a smaller swarm may take what they could get.
@@edmartin875 My thoughts exactly and that lines up with what have read from Tom Seely. A larger swarm needs and wants a lot of space to build and grow for the season.
@@MikeBarryBees I loved that tip. I'm 73 and don't keep bees anymore. But that was not a beekeeping tip. That was a life tip that applies to young and old.
I 100% agree with not having to drag a ladder around to put up or bait my traps I'm able to do it from the ground and I've caught plenty of swarms in my traps
Bedico has exploded in growth!! So many people down there now which is causing flooding like never before. Subdivisions everywhere. Good bee country though. I frequent Bedico as a good friend lives there.
Great , Great informative video Mike . I hope you have the Best you have ever had . There is one thing I did not hear you speak on . Do you think the directions of the trap entrance has anything to do with it and if so where do you put your at . ?? Thanks 🙏🙏
Thanks Kathy!! I am not totally sure about the direction, but I always have mine facing east to southeast just like setting up a hive in a yard. I figure, they say that the bees like the sun early in the AM, so I just do that.
Mike I spray the wood on one entrance. I soak the area where the drill bit went through the wood. Soaks into the end grain. Holds the smell several weeks at a min. My traps have 2 entrances. I spray just 1 Incase they don’t like the smell.
I just dab some lemon grass in the outside and inside of the entrance and the edges. Then the towel in the bag. Might start with the cotton swab next time around, much easier.
Hi Mike, yep it’s lemon grass all the time for me, why pay £20-00 quid for swarm commander when I pay £3-00 quid for a bottle of lemon grass which has always worked well for me, I now use my 6 frame nuc boxes for my traps which had my overwintered colonies in they never fail me.
You could use up the swarm commander up and then just add lemongrass oil and alcohol/glycerin to the empty bottle and now you have a spray bottle for your home lure.
Thanks for the video. Have you ever just used comb with no essential oils and had success catching swarms? Was just wondering because I may not even use any lemon grass oil this spring.
Not on purpose Simon. I’ve left equipment with a free combs and I’ve had bees move in. Mr. Ed has regularly used comb only and has had great success. As a note though, His area is saturated with feral bees. But there are folks that definitely don’t use the oil at all.
@@MikeBarryBees Thanks for reply, Mike. I appreciate it. I've been building layens swarm traps and Layens 20 frame hives for this spring and summer, so I'm looking forward to seeing the bees put them to use this year.
So, what you should have done was.... Jk jk! I learn something from every video you make! I like the shop towl in the bag. I'm putting out some traps tomorrow and going to try it! Last year was so awkward trying to get a strap around the trees to hang traps from a ladder. I'll be putting them at a manageable height this year!
Well, I'm sure glad you're able to pick something up. I am the same way watching others. So much to learn. I guess a manageable height for you is a but higher than most...LOL!!
Well Eric, nothing really. It's just that they are not really bad yet. They begin to lay there eggs later in the spring into summer. So normally a swarm moves in before they get bad. They could come sooner this year since the winter was so mild. But I have never seen them get into a swarm box before it catches. I imagine if I left one out summer into spring, we'd see moths for sure. Good question.
Hi Mike. Do you recommend the trap facing in a specific direction. With us in South Africa we definitely have better results facing east even though it is not a set rule. If you have multiple traps in the same location the ones facing east usually are more likely to be successful.
I agree Andre. I face all of mine east to south east and even directly south in some cases. But never west of north. Thanks for watching from South Africa!!!
Great informative video. I purchased some used equipment (risky I know) and a lot of frozen dark comb on frames. Would it likely create nothing but problems using a few of those in swarm traps as they have nectar in them? Didn't know if that would just draw tons of ants, or the scout bees may be interested? Thanks
Thanks William. As far as nectar in the combs, it's not really an issue, but what happens is bees come not necessarily looking to scope out a new home for their swarm, but more so to simply forage/rob out the honey. Will scouts still make note of the location, I would guess so, but I tend to put only dry frames in. If all you have are frames that have nectar, personally, I would put them out somewhere in the open and let surrounding bees rob them out, then I would build up a swarm box. Hope that answers your question.
Thomas, I always have the boxes out between mid February to the last week in February, but in the end, I've never caught one earlier than end of March, and only one that early. Usually first week of April thru the middle of the month. It has been later, but that's the average. I'd say splits can't be calculated on swarm catches, especially considering if the swarm caught is feral. Managed colonies could be earlier or later depending on management strategies, but most of the time, I'll split my bees well before swarms are caught. Scout activity on a box is a better sign, but really, a beekeeper needs to be in his/her hives when the weather warms and then he/she can gauge better when the split needs to happen. The comment on drones is part way accurate because sometimes a feral or someone else's colony might have drones out already and you might have a slow growing colony with no drones and remember, queens out-fly their own drones in order to prevent inbreeding. We have drones year round in the hives down here, but that doesn't mean I will be ready to split or the drones are numerous enough, even in the least bit. So because I see a few of them in my colony does not guarantee me a good split to get a queen mated. On the other hand, as the commenter mentioned, if no drones, then it most likely needs to wait, but again, it's about the growth of that colony and if they're not starting to produce drones, they're not ready to swarm or possibly not quite ready yet to split. Population, growth, and space play a big part, as well as high availability of nutrition and if the colony is ready to swarm for a reproduction swarm. When that is the case, they grow big and fast and then are ready to split. A lot of variables, I know, but in the end, it's about learning your area and flows, as well as being in your bees at the first opportunity to gauge their size and growth. Beekeepers/mentors in your area are the best resources to have to learn what happens near your hives. I guess that's a very long way around answering the question, and the answer, in my opinion, is no, you don't want to gauge splits on swarm catches. Thanks for the question and I hope I didn't muddy the waters.
Unless you are next door to Mike you maybe should ask the beekeepers near you. It doesn't take all that many miles, especially north or south or other side of the mountain, for your conditions to be different.
I did mine exactly like you last year with great success…. One question…. Are the starter strips all wax or are they pieces of plastic foundation coated in wax?
I have one 8 frame hive from a recent small bee removal , going to do first inspection/queen status/remove original comb rubberbanded on black foundation….i am feeding sugar water in SW MS and understand that i need to checkerboard as bees draw out comb, ( 2 questions) in ur experience should i checkerboard brood when start laying in hive or should i keep brood together and checkerboard other frames? Also what advice do u have , i am also using honey bee healthy plus in sugar water , that might help the process of bees drawing out comb??
April, I don't like to checkerboard any in the brood nest with foundation. If it is drawn comb, then I might put that in a nest if they really needs room, but only then one, or if two, then side by side together, especially this time of year when we still have cold evenings. But if they're drawing out everything and filling toward the outside, and I still have the option to add a box above, then I rarely ever split up the brood nest. They can cover the brood better if I leave it alone and keep it warm. On the honey-b-healthy, I've not used it, but have seen others use it and I have made my own similar concoction one time with essential oils. It is supposed to encourage them, so I'd have to say yes, it would help. But....never mix it too strong, and always be careful using it in feed in a dearth. The smell can cause robbing like crazy. But in the spring, you should be fine since we are seeing a little nectar.
you said you have a couple frames of comb, I'm just wondering how you accumulate so many frames? do you build them yourself or do you just spend that much on them over time and accumulate? I'm just starting out and I wish i had some comb to get started trapping swarms but I dont have a ton of money to invest in lots of frames since hives are pretty pricey too and I dont have time at this point to build my own hives, which i plan to do in the future.
I have just bought them over the years and each year I buy at least 100 with my honey profits. But that took time. As far as having the drawn out comb, I had a chest freezer full old honey frames that I was saving for feeding back to individual colonies. Well, after a couple years that never happened and they were in the way. So last fall I put them out for the bees to rob and that was about 50+. Then the rest came from Fall deadouts and some combines, as well as a couple hives reduced and consolidated to one deep. Dropped off about 5 deadouts and 4 or so combines and reductions. So I have all of those for building up again this year. It too some years to get to that point, so just take your time and build up as best you can.
Yea, that’s what I read Mark, one of those pheromones, And I’m sure it does. It truly is a good product, just a bit high for me when there is a cheaper alternative.
I try to have them close to a water source and preferably on a tree line with an open space in front. I face them anywhere from east to south. It’s good to find somewhere that you actually see a few bees as well.
Mike, you’re doing it wrong when you’re not doing it the way you want to do it! it’s your soap and your feet so you can wash them as fast as you want to! lol
Yea, I guess that’s just some of the things you get when you put your whole deal out there on TH-cam for everyone to see. But on the other hand, I get a ton more support and good tips and info from other beekeepers as well!!
@@MikeBarryBees you do good maybe I watch too many videos. I have learned a lot nobody around here to show me thank you for what you do not saying is if it works I'll fix it if it don't I told you I did not know what I was doing
Welcome back Paul!! Thought you might've quit watching altogether. Well, all I can say is, I am who I am and just do what I do. Hope you enjoyed it though. Thanks.
@@MikeBarryBees I always enjoy watching Mike I just think at times you talk to much but obviously you are doing something right because I keep coming back stay safe and don't take offence please I will get used to you 👍😀
Good stuff Mike. It’s funny how people tell you how you “need” to do it their way. I say folks should just do what works best for them. I love Swarm Commander and figure $30 to catch 15 or 20 swarms or more is not too bad. I absolutely feel the same about hanging them at a height you can reach. No need to hang them the “ideal” height of 14’ or whatever “they” say it is. Just reach up in the tree from the ground and hook it up there.
I agree 100 percent that whatever works for you is what you should do. People have been catching swarms with old comb and lemon grass oil for many years. Heck some people swear that old comb is all you need. And that has proved to be true at times as I have had swarms move into abandoned or absconded hives sitting out at the beeyard. I have seen over the years that you have a system. Actually very similar to mine. Tried. Proven. True. Keep up the good work and keep the videos coming!
Thanks Bruce!! All encouraging words and I appreciate it. I thank you for your support and for the friendship we have built.
Good Video as Always!😂🤣😂😆😆😆 this one was funny too! Haven't you heard you're supposed to burn your equipment until it's charred so it mimics a lightning struck tree😂🤣😂😆😆😆🤪
Thanks John!!
I set my traps up basically the same way. I put a foundation on each end, old brood comb in the middle and starter strips on everything else with an 8 inch void at the bottom. Love your how to video!! LOL!!!!!! Thanks Mike!!!
Yep Rodney, just about the same. Only thing is, you have a lot more drive in you since you put out way more than I do...LOL!! Too much work, ha, ha, ha!!
@@MikeBarryBees To me it's like trolling for fish because I don't know where they're at yet. For you it's like going to your favorite fishing hole. Thanks!
Good luck
Thanks and same to you this season!!
I like the way you keep Bees Mike, God Bless & take care!
Thanks so much!!
I love Ole Trusty!
Me too!! I hang it up every year whether I need to or not.
Some of my favourite repeat swarm trap locations have been bait boxes sitting on a picnic table, on a plant stand under an apple tree, and on the back deck (a low deck, just about 3 ft off the ground). I'm too old to be climbing, and there's no reason to when I can catch multiple feral swarms a year, all no higher than 4 feet off the ground. It was great seeing that bee already checking your trap out. Best of luck to you this swarm season.
Agree wholeheartedly!! And yes, that bee got me excited. I just barely heard her, so I stopped and there she was.
lol i like your style Mike, everyone knows better, but you catch swarms doing it your way. 😃
Thanks Carl! Some things you just stick with, others you modify or change. This is one I just stick with.
@@MikeBarryBees Well I've never set swarm traps before, but I am this year and do it pretty much by your way Thx for the video and info.
Last year you really helped me. I was feeling down and had many false alarms. You had said that there was going to be another opportunity. Y’all are probably about 2 weeks ahead of us blooming wise so I always listen to where y’all are. Well sure enough - I was able to be home to see the swarm arrive. Such a magical experience!! Very special!!
Wow, thanks Jennifer!! I am humbled that I was able to encourage you. And yes, such an awesome and overwhelming sight to see a swarm move in. Just an amazing thing no matter ho many times I see it.
Sounds like you have a lucky box and a lucky spot there Mike. Funny because we have only ever used Lemongrass oil in ours. Works like a charm!. Another great video!
I feel like it’s been a good place for me Dawn. Went down today finally and freshened them up. Didn’t see any scouts which was off, but it was late and blowing and very cloudy, so who knows?? Appreciate you!
Great ideas Mike! Do what works best for oneself. Putting up a trap this week and leaving my ladder home. Take care and good trapping.
Thanks! And agree on leaving that ladder home. They like 6 feet as much as 15. More dependent on bait rather than height. Happy swarm catching!!
Thank you Mike !
You're welcome Ronald!!
"I'm not doing a how to video..." Excellent, thumbs up!
Thanks!!!
I like your honesty. Thumbs up
I appreciate that!
Great video Mike. I like the fact that you are committed to what works for you. Good job Sir!
Thanks so much!!
Thanks for another great video, makes me envious of you southern beekeepers. 2 months to go here in Indiana!
You're welcome Nathaniel and I glad you enjoyed the video. Yep, we're in and out of winter very quickly. Worst winters we have are on 3 to 3.5 months.
Never fails to have tips given. Thanks Mike.
Thanks Bob!!
Best tip in this video was a life tip.
I hope you catch a couple of swarms buddy. I have a month then I can set mine out here in West Virginia hope you have a great week my friend.
Thanks Mark and I'll be looking out for your swarm catches on TH-cam. Hope you fill all the boxes again!! Still haven't gotten to your final trapping video, but that is on tap soon!!
great video Mr. Mike , caught my first swarm last year , can't wait to go set mine out and that was a good tip about the ladder I'm 52 and the taught of falling from a ladder gets worst the order I get
have a bless day.
Yep, with age comes wisdom!! Happy swarm catching this season!!
Lemon grass has done the trick for me as well. Thanks and God bless
Yep, I like the price and effectiveness. Thanks and have a great day!!
Thanks Mike for what you do. You tell it like it is- down to earth advise. Saw you at conference in TN , but didn't get to speak to you. I will next year. 😁
You're welcome and glad you enjoyed it!! Yea, we'll have to meet up. It was great meeting viewers, so great!!
Mike always a great video of (how I do) I'm looking forward to the season.
Awesome, Thanks!!
Thanks for your info on how to catch a swarm.
You bet, glad you liked it!!
I also use a lot of your trapping techniques, right “ if it works it works, nice job 👍
Yep, they seem to work, so I don't try to improve on success. Now in the bee yard,....well, that's a whole different thing there. Wish I had the success in the bee yard like I catch swarms...LOL!!
Enjoyed the video and wish you a great swarm season 👍
Thanks Gregory and same to you on the upcoming season!!
Lol, ours didn't appear to end this winter caught one December 9th and one early January and a removel, global warming 🤷. Take care God bless 🐝😎
Good information Mike. I have caught swarms at all heights. Ready for the busy season. Thanks for the video. God bless.
Thanks Garry and happy swarm catching!! Ready or not, here it comes!!
Hey Mike I set my traps like you do and have great luck. I'm gonna add some cedar chips on the bottom to drive away wax moths, Conrad in Ohio, Beekkeeping in Ohio
Good deal Conrad!!
When my swarm Commander gel runs out, I am going to refill the squeeze bottle with Lemongrass oil.
I agree and to me I smell lg in S.C.
Yea, I'm going to put my oil in the spray bottle. It is convenient.
Great tips Mike, Thanks!!
You're welcome Greg, glad you enjoyed it!!
I can't wait to get my swarm boxes out. I've never caught one in a swarm box, but it sure is exciting.
It sure is exciting. If you got bees in the area, you'll catch some. Can't wait to hear about it Phil!!
Let the games begin! We put a trap out close to the swamp on the 19th(last week). Bees are already looking at it. I'm excited!
Yes indeed!! That is truly exciting to see the scouts. Always gets me fired up!!
I don't use the straw but I do use q tips soaked in lemongrass oil. Just toss them in the entrance. It works for me. And I'm cheap too. Lol. 100% agree no ladder needed. When you fall, those bees just got expensive. I watched a swarm move into a hive I had set up on the ground. Going 20 feet up is a waist of time and effort.
Agree on all points Ben and that's a great way to out it; those bees just got very expensive. I like that. Hope you don't mind if I use that saying.
@@MikeBarryBees use it. Its common sense. Good luck with the swarm traps. I must say my favorite part of bee keeping is setting out swarm traps and catching swarms
Thanks for sharing Mike. I'm going to put up my swarm traps in a couple of weeks. I built three traps last year and caught a swarm in each. It was really fun to catch wild bees. I used swarm commander and two frames of old comb with a frame or two of foundation and the rest were empty frames. I also put them up about as high as you put yours. I did use a ladder just to help, but I can easily grab the trap from the ground. The bees didn't care.
Oh, you're welcome and thank you for watching Thomas!! I agree for sure. I don't need more bees, but it's too much fun catching them. And since this area yields really great queens, I figure I'll have my swarm fun right there. Yea, ladders for just getting them from a rung or two isn't a big deal to me, it's seeing when folks are going up high to hang them. It's no problem going up, but if a big swarm moves in and they begin building, they're so doggone heavy.
Hey Mike keep doing you. 👍 great video
Thanks for the support Gary!!
You are the swarm master Mike.
I wish. Not even close.
As if you really need more bees. LOL It must be fun to catch some free bees and get out in the spring and enjoy the beauty of nature. Good luck Mike. Great interview with the Gang the other day.
I know Russell, just what I need!! I had a good time with them on that 'Live'. It was cool to be on there.
Looking good Mike. I was telling Rodney today I need to get the rest of my 5 or 6 up in a tree
Yep, earlier the better I always say. You guy's weather up that way really is so similar. Hard to believe, but it is, so I imagine scouts are already looking.
Hey Mike,
Avoyelles parish here. Starting this year built 4 traps ready to set them out. Have two ferrel hives within a couple hundred yards from me. Love your videos. Hope everything works out for me.
Thanks Tommy!! I go through your area about once a year heading up ole LA1. Hope you have great success!!
Great information! I have a few old lock on deer stands that I plan to use for a platform/base.
Yep, those should work great! I totally forgot I have an old lock-on. I need to dig it out and use it!! Thanks for reminding me.
I have been working on my traps this week. Cool stuff Mike 👍 I hope you catch them full. Good luck and God bless 👍 thanks man
Thanks Houston, and I hope the same for you!! Let us all know.
@@MikeBarryBees I'm actually looking forward to it. Trying to get used to putting myself out there with this TH-cam thing. I will be definitely looking for your updates on your channel. God bless
Thank you for the video, Mike. I've been feeding some bees from who knows where all winter, and I planned to build a few swarm traps in case these little darlins decide to look for a new home. I don't have any old comb, but I did have old scrap pallet wood to build the case with so it doesn't smell like new pine. I do have old beeswax from another woodworker so I melted some of it to put on some of the new frames just to make it smell less new. After watching this video I decided to make a few more boxes with something resembling starter strips to spread my new frames out through a few more traps. I have the lemongrass oil already, and I think I'll try that straw method. I'll let you know how it goes.
Sheila, sounds like you have it worked out well and I imagine that should do the trick. That old box I show in the video was exactly as yours, and old pallet. It caught right off the bat and has been successful since.
Scrap pallet wood is a good idea and most pallets would be just fine. You do need to pay attention to the wood though. I have seen pallets that have had stuff spilled on them. No telling what was spilled and because of that I would not be inclined to use that particular wood.
@@edmartin875 yep. I know where my wood comes from, and it's clean; untreated. I store it in a section of my wood shop and keep it dry.
Great info Mike,
I think getting them out early, maybe a month before you would expect swarms, is also important.
Thanks Tom and I agree!!
Super
Thanks!!
Excellent how I do! Thanks
Thanks Keith!!
Already got a few out myself. Swarm commander is good but i have learned it only takes a drop or they will build on the outside of the box. I also used lemon grass oil and had great luck with it. I have 1 box that caught 5 Swarms last year and I baited it 1 time and the rest was just the bee smell .Great video and hope you have great luck. ❤🐝
Wow, built on the outside!! Strong stuff. I agree on the smell. Once bees have been in there more will come. Some folks only use old comb (Mr. Ed) and he catches a lot. Trust me, he will remind me......lol!
Well MR.. Barry i can only promise one thing about my comments. I never tell a beekeeper his/her business. I will comment on behavior during a video though. Hope you get a lot of bees in there papa😁 ( that's my Mr. Ed smile)
Mr. Ed is quite the character and I would encourage everyone to smile like him because he is quite possibly always joyful....Thanks for watching!!
mike, I use both swarm commander and lemon grass, like you say both work great. i am in Indiana and I catch 5-7 swarms every year. the 1 thing i have found out over the years of putting out swarm boxes is, always smear as much propolis as you can to the inside of the boxes. before I found out to do this, I did not catch as many swarms.
I agree and that's why I don't ever scrape those old traps ever. Happy swarm catching this year!!
@@MikeBarryBees we all love free bees
I have few set up the same way Mike ,😉 works
Great video thank you for great tips Beekeeping 🐝🐝🐝🐝
Thanks Sebastian. Happy swarm catching this season!!
im thinking swarmcommander inside under lid back corner,and lemongrass on entrance to make them interested to enter,had some slum gum juice to coat the new osb wood smell,...i like your idea for open cavity,and start strips n old frames
Yes, the starter strips have done well in the past, should've never gotten away from them. But still no guarantee. The bees have in an instance prior torn them out and went rogue on me. But for the most part, it's been successful.
I would think the open cavity would appeal to larger swarms that would otherwise turn their noses up at boxes with no cavity, where a smaller swarm may take what they could get.
@@edmartin875 My thoughts exactly and that lines up with what have read from Tom Seely. A larger swarm needs and wants a lot of space to build and grow for the season.
Great tip Mike. Hope that saves a lot of people some grief. No fun falling from a ladder ( Or anything.) in the woods all alone. Wise tip my friend.
Thanks James!! I just don't see the need to take dangerous chances.
@@MikeBarryBees I loved that tip. I'm 73 and don't keep bees anymore. But that was not a beekeeping tip. That was a life tip that applies to young and old.
@@edmartin875 I agree Ed. I have gotten wiser as I've gotten older. Just need to use good judgement and wisdom.
I 100% agree with not having to drag a ladder around to put up or bait my traps I'm able to do it from the ground and I've caught plenty of swarms in my traps
Better safe than sorry for sure!! And same here, caught plenty not risking it.
Going to find your swarm boxes tomorrow
They're not hidden all that well, so I suppose you could.
Going to try my first swarm traps this year, so this was timely information. Thanks!
Glad it could help. Happy swarm catching!! Enjoyed your segment on the Stream Team the other night!!
@@MikeBarryBees thanks Mike! It was a great time and was glad they did that for the community.
Hey! You know what you should have done? What works for you!!
Ha, ha, ha!!! That's right Joe. Thanks for watching and commenting!!
Little early for us but not far away.🐝🐝🐝
Yep, but it'll be here before you know it!!
I've seen bees scouting out the hives I've set out for swarms.
That's always encouraging!! I like seeing that within days of them being hung up.
I have a very good suggestion for you. Maybe you just do it how YOU want. Keep
It up sir love the videos.
That’s me. I just do me and I let folks do what the do. Thanks so much for the support!!
I was raised in Bedico! Gods country for sure! In Texas now
Bedico has exploded in growth!! So many people down there now which is causing flooding like never before. Subdivisions everywhere. Good bee country though. I frequent Bedico as a good friend lives there.
Great , Great informative video Mike . I hope you have the Best you have ever had . There is one thing I did not hear you speak on . Do you think the directions of the trap entrance has anything to do with it and if so where do you put your at . ?? Thanks 🙏🙏
Thanks Kathy!! I am not totally sure about the direction, but I always have mine facing east to southeast just like setting up a hive in a yard. I figure, they say that the bees like the sun early in the AM, so I just do that.
I use swarm commander 👍🏻
Mike I spray the wood on one entrance. I soak the area where the drill bit went through the wood. Soaks into the end grain. Holds the smell several weeks at a min. My traps have 2 entrances. I spray just 1 Incase they don’t like the smell.
I just dab some lemon grass in the outside and inside of the entrance and the edges. Then the towel in the bag. Might start with the cotton swab next time around, much easier.
The Swarm Commander spray bottle is almost worth the $30.00. 6 years and it still sprays perfectly, I just refill with lemongrass oil..........
That is my plan too Dennis. While it is a good product, I’m sure not paying $30 for it, but the spray part is so convenient!! Thanks for watching!!
Hi Mike, yep it’s lemon grass all the time for me, why pay £20-00 quid for swarm commander when I pay £3-00 quid for a bottle of lemon grass which has always worked well for me, I now use my 6 frame nuc boxes for my traps which had my overwintered colonies in they never fail me.
Agreed Mark! Just not worth the extra cash.
You could use up the swarm commander up and then just add lemongrass oil and alcohol/glycerin to the empty bottle and now you have a spray bottle for your home lure.
Yep Mike, agree wholeheartedly. That’s my plan when it’s done because the spray is great for a quick freshening. Thanks for the comment!!
I’ve never built any thing yet for swarming but I want to. I’ve just got to manage my time better🍺🍺
Time is money!! It really is these days. I totally understand that.
Thanks for the video. Have you ever just used comb with no essential oils and had success catching swarms? Was just wondering because I may not even use any lemon grass oil this spring.
Not on purpose Simon. I’ve left equipment with a free combs and I’ve had bees move in. Mr. Ed has regularly used comb only and has had great success. As a note though, His area is saturated with feral bees. But there are folks that definitely don’t use the oil at all.
@@MikeBarryBees Thanks for reply, Mike. I appreciate it. I've been building layens swarm traps and Layens 20 frame hives for this spring and summer, so I'm looking forward to seeing the bees put them to use this year.
So, what you should have done was.... Jk jk! I learn something from every video you make! I like the shop towl in the bag. I'm putting out some traps tomorrow and going to try it!
Last year was so awkward trying to get a strap around the trees to hang traps from a ladder. I'll be putting them at a manageable height this year!
Well, I'm sure glad you're able to pick something up. I am the same way watching others. So much to learn. I guess a manageable height for you is a but higher than most...LOL!!
keep doing what you are doing! I do the same except I use two Q-tips. You are being cheap, you must have some Dutch in you, hahahahaha
Maybe that's the reason Jerry!! Never thought of that....LOL!!
Or maybe like most of us oldsters, had parents the lived thru the depression and we learned it from them.
What keeps wax moths from taking over the drawn comb.
Well Eric, nothing really. It's just that they are not really bad yet. They begin to lay there eggs later in the spring into summer. So normally a swarm moves in before they get bad. They could come sooner this year since the winter was so mild. But I have never seen them get into a swarm box before it catches. I imagine if I left one out summer into spring, we'd see moths for sure. Good question.
Hi Mike. Do you recommend the trap facing in a specific direction. With us in South Africa we definitely have better results facing east even though it is not a set rule. If you have multiple traps in the same location the ones facing east usually are more likely to be successful.
I agree Andre. I face all of mine east to south east and even directly south in some cases. But never west of north. Thanks for watching from South Africa!!!
Great informative video. I purchased some used equipment (risky I know) and a lot of frozen dark comb on frames. Would it likely create nothing but problems using a few of those in swarm traps as they have nectar in them? Didn't know if that would just draw tons of ants, or the scout bees may be interested? Thanks
Thanks William. As far as nectar in the combs, it's not really an issue, but what happens is bees come not necessarily looking to scope out a new home for their swarm, but more so to simply forage/rob out the honey. Will scouts still make note of the location, I would guess so, but I tend to put only dry frames in. If all you have are frames that have nectar, personally, I would put them out somewhere in the open and let surrounding bees rob them out, then I would build up a swarm box. Hope that answers your question.
Mike, what is the earliest date you ever caught a swarm? Can that info be used to calculate Splits?
You need drones, and their appearance is different each year depending on the weather etc.
@@denniscounts1983 I will look for drones. Trying to learn. Thx
Thomas, I always have the boxes out between mid February to the last week in February, but in the end, I've never caught one earlier than end of March, and only one that early. Usually first week of April thru the middle of the month. It has been later, but that's the average. I'd say splits can't be calculated on swarm catches, especially considering if the swarm caught is feral. Managed colonies could be earlier or later depending on management strategies, but most of the time, I'll split my bees well before swarms are caught. Scout activity on a box is a better sign, but really, a beekeeper needs to be in his/her hives when the weather warms and then he/she can gauge better when the split needs to happen. The comment on drones is part way accurate because sometimes a feral or someone else's colony might have drones out already and you might have a slow growing colony with no drones and remember, queens out-fly their own drones in order to prevent inbreeding. We have drones year round in the hives down here, but that doesn't mean I will be ready to split or the drones are numerous enough, even in the least bit. So because I see a few of them in my colony does not guarantee me a good split to get a queen mated. On the other hand, as the commenter mentioned, if no drones, then it most likely needs to wait, but again, it's about the growth of that colony and if they're not starting to produce drones, they're not ready to swarm or possibly not quite ready yet to split. Population, growth, and space play a big part, as well as high availability of nutrition and if the colony is ready to swarm for a reproduction swarm. When that is the case, they grow big and fast and then are ready to split. A lot of variables, I know, but in the end, it's about learning your area and flows, as well as being in your bees at the first opportunity to gauge their size and growth. Beekeepers/mentors in your area are the best resources to have to learn what happens near your hives. I guess that's a very long way around answering the question, and the answer, in my opinion, is no, you don't want to gauge splits on swarm catches. Thanks for the question and I hope I didn't muddy the waters.
Unless you are next door to Mike you maybe should ask the beekeepers near you. It doesn't take all that many miles, especially north or south or other side of the mountain, for your conditions to be different.
@@edmartin875 Fifteen to twenty miles as a crow flies.
When your done with the swarm commander bottle just fill up with the lemongrass oil.
We think alike!! That's exactly what I thought about doing. Make a great dispenser!
I did mine exactly like you last year with great success…. One question…. Are the starter strips all wax or are they pieces of plastic foundation coated in wax?
All wax Chris. Old wax foundation cut into strips. But waxed foundation cut into strips will work too.
I have one 8 frame hive from a recent small bee removal , going to do first inspection/queen status/remove original comb rubberbanded on black foundation….i am feeding sugar water in SW MS and understand that i need to checkerboard as bees draw out comb, ( 2 questions) in ur experience should i checkerboard brood when start laying in hive or should i keep brood together and checkerboard other frames? Also what advice do u have , i am also using honey bee healthy plus in sugar water , that might help the process of bees drawing out comb??
April, I don't like to checkerboard any in the brood nest with foundation. If it is drawn comb, then I might put that in a nest if they really needs room, but only then one, or if two, then side by side together, especially this time of year when we still have cold evenings. But if they're drawing out everything and filling toward the outside, and I still have the option to add a box above, then I rarely ever split up the brood nest. They can cover the brood better if I leave it alone and keep it warm. On the honey-b-healthy, I've not used it, but have seen others use it and I have made my own similar concoction one time with essential oils. It is supposed to encourage them, so I'd have to say yes, it would help. But....never mix it too strong, and always be careful using it in feed in a dearth. The smell can cause robbing like crazy. But in the spring, you should be fine since we are seeing a little nectar.
you said you have a couple frames of comb, I'm just wondering how you accumulate so many frames? do you build them yourself or do you just spend that much on them over time and accumulate? I'm just starting out and I wish i had some comb to get started trapping swarms but I dont have a ton of money to invest in lots of frames since hives are pretty pricey too and I dont have time at this point to build my own hives, which i plan to do in the future.
I have just bought them over the years and each year I buy at least 100 with my honey profits. But that took time. As far as having the drawn out comb, I had a chest freezer full old honey frames that I was saving for feeding back to individual colonies. Well, after a couple years that never happened and they were in the way. So last fall I put them out for the bees to rob and that was about 50+. Then the rest came from Fall deadouts and some combines, as well as a couple hives reduced and consolidated to one deep. Dropped off about 5 deadouts and 4 or so combines and reductions. So I have all of those for building up again this year. It too some years to get to that point, so just take your time and build up as best you can.
not sure which pheromone, if its mandibular,or nasonov ,i think it does have one or the other or both
Yea, that’s what I read Mark, one of those pheromones, And I’m sure it does. It truly is a good product, just a bit high for me when there is a cheaper alternative.
How do you know what area is the best to put a box out?
I try to have them close to a water source and preferably on a tree line with an open space in front. I face them anywhere from east to south. It’s good to find somewhere that you actually see a few bees as well.
hooo noo not again.... I hope at least we catch our own... GOD bless Mike.
Thanks Israel. Good to see you in the comment section again!!
Mike you should have……………….. 😂😂😂
LOL!!
I have a couple months yet he re in New York
Oh wow, yea that's quite a bit longer. Well, happy swarm catching in advance!!
Mike, you’re doing it wrong when you’re not doing it the way you want to do it! it’s your soap and your feet so you can wash them as fast as you want to! lol
Yea, I guess that’s just some of the things you get when you put your whole deal out there on TH-cam for everyone to see. But on the other hand, I get a ton more support and good tips and info from other beekeepers as well!!
First:)
Thanks for watching!! You were quite quick, I must say, as I saw this comment before I even closed the window!! Thanks!!
remined them its a how i do video lol
Have to, don't want to be on the hook for anyone having any issues...LOL!!
It looks just about like last year's video like you could have just reused it
Outside of using the starter strips, probably so Wade. LOL!!
@@MikeBarryBees you do good maybe I watch too many videos. I have learned a lot nobody around here to show me thank you for what you do not saying is if it works I'll fix it if it don't I told you I did not know what I was doing
Mike I think you talk to much and don't do much I think that's why you don't have many subscribers 🤔
Old saying. If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything.
Welcome back Paul!! Thought you might've quit watching altogether. Well, all I can say is, I am who I am and just do what I do. Hope you enjoyed it though. Thanks.
@@MikeBarryBees I always enjoy watching Mike I just think at times you talk to much but obviously you are doing something right because I keep coming back stay safe and don't take offence please I will get used to you 👍😀
@@paulbeadle1714 well thanks Paul, I appreciate that and no offence taken. Thanks for sticking with the videos.