I agree and use starter strips in my swarm boxes usually 3 starter strips and positions 2 and 4 are drawn comb. I use a two story nuc box with the 5 frames in the top nuc. I caught 21 swarms last Spring and early Summer. It is sooooo fun!!!!
I get lots of burr comb on my plastic frames, they can be very hard to separate when I get a good flow. The wood frames in the same super have very little burr or brace comb.
Interesting. I don’t have any experience with plastic frames. I only have one that was donated Seems like with some of the plastic frames there is many places for small hive beetles to hide
I got it from dollars general for $10 a couple years ago. I like that one for frame waxing plus when I’m done I just unplug and leave the wax in it. Just add more wax and remelt when in use. Smaller ones heats up faster I have Medium and large for wax rendering and for those look at thrift stores. Cheap large ones are there often Anything you use for wax will be dedicated to wax because it can’t be cleaned off and never pour wax down your sink drains. Low and slow so not to burn the wax. Thank you for the question and comment Best of luck this upcoming season
Very true. Plus swarms are comb building machines. Why not bait with one bait comb and get 4 new drawn out frames with every catch I only risk one bait comb to loss from pests. No need to use more Thank you for the comment.
Finish nail low enough that it doesn’t shoot through. I can’t remember the length but I do know sometimes I have to trim If it perturbed. There is a sweet spot with angle and pressure to not protrude Three or four at an angle through the top bar and foundation alternating sides. Also when I wax them they have more hold. Once they start building comb they will be well secure Thank you for the support and question
I do not. Many times they do not complete the frame. Utilizing the last hole available for your bottom fishing line support is enough in my experience. Two inches from bottom frame. To low and they won’t hit it for a long time or not at all New fresh dawn comb is very soft and pliable. Over time it gets hard and even the fishing line is less important When inspecting until the comb is less pliable always hold the frame straight. Do not tilt like you can with plastic or it may fall apart. This is an issue with new comb and why the fishing line is important in the beginning Always level colonies from left to right. You still can tip forward for water run out in heavy rains and open entrances. Left to right is what needs leveling I believe more and more after every winter these frames help with my winter survival rates. This year 100% in one yard and 80% in the other yard which I believe was queen failures but I report all loses. Thank you for the question
What is the distance between holes for the wire that you use? I am Is converting my Foundation frames to foundation less and going to drill my own holes
I’m sorry I do not ship at this time and sell them locally in Grand Rapids Michigan The best price I have seen is at www.blueskybeesupply.com/pro-nuc-box-5pn/ Everyone’s price has gone up recently except blue sky.
