How did he use it Phillip? Did it have any impact on the bees? That is one idea I?ve never heard of. Are you still using oil in trays? It is a very effective method once you are set up and I know that you are a fan.
As you have most likely seen, the beetles will dip and dive from cell to cell and hide. I am thinking this is one place that he let them have it! lol
I really don't remember the details, and Reagans memories may be clearer than mine, (and is many times lol), but I do remember he took PLEASURE in zapping them with the stuff.. lol.
Sounds like nasty stuff to me. No thanks??.
>Sounds like nasty stuff to me. No thanks??Don't like it, don't try it.. lol The title of the topic is "What's your favourite style of small hive beetle trap and why do you use it?" I'm not trying to convince anyone to try Mr Van's favorite. I have not tried it myself. But it is another "style" when trapping a single hiding beetle in a single empty cell, and I figured it might have been interesting to some who might not have been here when he was talking about it, so I threw it out there for the benefit of giving a variety in answers as I assumed was the intent of the topic..
> Are you still using oil in trays? When I find it necessary oil trays are 'very' effective.. Once they have been in place for a while, It really knocks beetles back, and steady use in not so much necessary as
Paus and
Beemaster2 have explained on other topics.. I agree with them and yes, I still highly recommend its use for effectiveness..
I do not use a full tray of oil as others have defined. I put water in the tray and a heavy dash, or what might be considered a 'guzzle' of Mothers Vinegar 'in' the water. 'Then' I add a good coat of the oil on top, (used oil is better in my opinion), as a buffer for retarding evaporation, and to coat the beetles when they fall in.. When I first posted this home formula, Mr Van, a retired Published Scientist, and respected member here, as well as a friend, commended me as this being a tri-purpose plus formula. He said the three ingredients work together for good. One; the water saves on the use of oil. Two; the Mothers Vinegar may help attract SHB but would also help retard mold. Three; The use of oil, and the beetles falling into it is obvious..
I hope this helps.
Phillip