In this video, we go through how to create a simple swarm trap using plywood sheathing. A single sheet of plywood is enough to build three hives. Plans can be found on hacknbuild.com: hacknbuild.git...
when using this size i have problems with the bees building on bottom of the frames. I use deep frames with foundation. I notice you use medium with no foundation. when transporting, the combs fall to bottom. what am I doing wrong?
I am not an experienced bee keeper. This project was just the outcome of some research into different swarm trap designs I did. I could see that because there is lots of extra room at the bottoms of the frames, the bees might think it's a good spot to build comb. So maybe try with just top bars and comb guides. Or use use deeper frames. I was planning on swapping the medium frames direct to medium boxes, that's why I set my trap up this way. If I had to do everything over, I'd probably just use top bars and comb guides. They are a lot simpler to make on the table saw.
In the diagram it says 6 front rayls i can only see 3 on the design. Is there any new design? Could you also upload the equivalent mesurements in cm please
I think if you download the Sketchup plans, you should be able to view the units in metric, or just multiply everything by 2.54 to convert everything to centimeters. I might build a units conversion mechanism into the site in the future.
Also the first part of your question: There should be enough stock down towards the bottom left corner of the sheet to get the remaining pieces. Thanks for pointing that out!
Your material list on your website shows 6 front rails but I agree with Ponyony that there should only be three unless we are missing something in your build process. Good plans by the way.
This video is 2 years old and I didn't see a follow up on your channel. Did this work? Its starting to get cold in my area but I still see bees because I leave large flowering plants uncut but want to clean them up some and would like to keep an eye on the bees if they need help with food in the coming months.
Yes, it works! I didn't have any luck myself, but a couple people posted comments on the Hack n' Build blog with success stories. Since it's becoming winter in your area, you're likely past the time for swarming bee, but you could get everything ready to go for the spring. Here's the link: hacknbuild.com/blog/posts/Swarm-Trap/index.html
I have a piece of 3/4 inch plywood I would like to burn up. If I use it to build using these plans won’t it be different because of the thickness change?
It would probably work until you get your permanent hives set up, but the design of the trap isn't expandable/stackable and the lid isn't designed to be taken on and off frequently like you'd be doing with a regular hive.
Yes, beeswax and lemon grass oil are typically used as bait. Not familiar with using geranium oil as bait, but bees might light the smell too. Does that answer the question?
You can hang a box somewhere about 100 yards away and catch a swarm they put off. As far as removing a existing colony you have to do a cut out or trap out and i would recommend finding someone exprienced to help you as this can be a real pain
I think that was a typographical error. Sometimes inches are indicated with the “ symbol. Maybe his editing software replaced it with ‘quot’ which could be short for “quotation”.
Cheers man. Best video I found so far. Simple and to the point. I have a swarm hanging off my chimney in Ireland. I have a citronella candle lit in the stove to keep them out of the chimney. Will build one of your designs and mount it nearby and hopefully they will move in and I can give them to a local bee keeper. All the best from Ireland.
Cannot believe it worked. Had the box left beside the swarm for 1.5 hours and they started to move in. I used beeswax and lemongrass oil as an attractor. Thanks again
Where there are bees, there are swarms. I can't say for sure if you'd catch one though. I'd suggest talking with local bee keepers in your area and see what their luck has been with swarm traps. Thanks for watching, cheers.
Swarm traps will work well if they are properly bated and placed in proximity to swarming bees. I think the general rule of thumb is a third of your traps will catch swarms. I placed two traps in my backyard and one in a friends yard, but didn't catch any swarms. Next season, I may make some more traps and try a few more locations. I didn't see too many honeybees buzzing around the back yard either, so I may also try planting some flowers that will attract more bees.
It probably wouldn't work because they're already "moved in". If they're bees and not wasps, then it would be possible to cut the hive out and move the bees to hive boxes. Search on "hive removal". I'd suggest finding a local beekeeper and asking for help doing this so it can be done safely. Most beekeepers will come and remove hives for free and are very happy to share what they know with beginners.
Yes, when bees are swarming the workers will look for potential places to live. When workers find a potential place, they let other bees know. When enough bees agree, the swarm moves in including the queen!
You should learn much more about beekeeping before building something like this. This swarm trap is not a permanent home for bees, this is meant to catch a bee swarm to then be transferred into a larger Langstroth hive. I recommend going finding a local beekeeping club that teaches a class in the spring. They would be happy to help you.
@@bibbabibba1975 Doesn't have to be a Langstroth hive. They are good in warmer areas but inappropriate for the colder climates according to Langstroth himself. Lookup Layens and Warre hives as well as top-bar hives, among others of course!