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41

GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: What did you do in your Apiary/Bee yard today?

« Last post by max2 on May 19, 2024, 04:51:29 am »

We had a very good market on Saturday - lots of honey was sold and we sold all of the Pecan Nuts we had with us.We also sold a few Strawberry Plants  in pots.Today I went to one of my yards to do my Autumn's check.Less honey here, fewer SHB, No varroa.. Most hives are powering  on with lots of brood.Sadly i had a dead out. More to clean up.
I also washed and sterilized the jars we had returned.  We took back about 50 of them and it takes some time as the labels need to be soaked to come off.
I had enough time to take a walk in the bush to look for buds on trees.
Also, a quick check on the cattle - perfect Autumn day.

42

GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: Swarm Catching

« Last post by gww on May 19, 2024, 02:25:32 am »

Any advice I give is not a counter to any other given but more my perspective on trapping.  I have no doubt that it can be done much better then I do it.  From my perspective and value system.  I am not putting traps higher then I can easily reach from the ground though studies seem to suggest 15 feet might be best. 

I am not putting traps in places I will not naturally go cause it cost too much to travel to keep them baited and checked.  I view substandard traps out better then no trap at all.  I like deeps but will put a medium out if it is what I have with out building more.  I like my traps where I go often or somebody else can see them daily and call me if there is activity. 

In my area, swarms are not a sure thing and you could waste lots of recourses if you don't use what help you can get.  I have 15 out and catch between 1 and 3 swarms a year and have never caught two in the same place in one year.  I don't gather them up and store them but leave then out till a bottom or top rots off and then just replace that when needed.

No doubt people can trap better then me but my bees come as cheap as I have found a way to to do it and I like it better then making splits when you just want to get by but not expand. 

I have read the best ways published by others that had study money to do it like they did it but like all things it depends on your goals.  I do have a couple of traps on my own place that I have not baited or looked at in a few years cause I would have to get on a four wheeler to look at them and it is just easier to keep up with the one in my real back yard then in my woods and places I get to by car naturally.  My advice is always based on what I like to do and not saying some point is wrong but more some points would not change my way cause it is good enough for me.  Every one has to be the judge of what is best for them.  I am just down right cheap and have found good enough for my need.  My advice is given with good will but in no way some mandate as many are smarter then me and have excellent points being made by them.

Some of my bias might be that my very first bees came from my back yard before I even had bees.  I live in the boonies but you just never know what might be around you.

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GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: Swarm Catching

« Last post by beesnweeds on May 19, 2024, 01:02:15 am »

I for one, fully understand what you are saying beesnweeds to your point and credit.

Thank you.

You are probably right about the drifting part. Naturally his own bees will check out the bait he has planted

After the posts and video, you can see the bees hit the landing board and walk right in thinking it's the correct hive.  Terri should at least give the trap a 180.  I guess Im a bit surprised that no other experienced beekeepers on here see it.

While Remembering the ongoing discussion, anticipation, and excitement of Father Michael a few years back when he was in almost the same spot as Terri. More than one of us tried to give him a heads up, in case they left, (which they did). I also remember the disappointment that he faced when they left the area, and the disappointment we felt for him.

I also understand Father Michaels disappointment, but it's a learning experience and we both know beekeeping has a steep curve.  I try and offer a different solution hoping he can increase his chances with a scion in his yard.

44

GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: Swarm Catching

« Last post by Ben Framed on May 19, 2024, 12:12:46 am »

Terri have you found swarm cells in your hive?

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GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: Swarm Catching

« Last post by Ben Framed on May 18, 2024, 11:49:34 pm »

You are probably right about the drifting part. Naturally his own bees will check out the bait he has planted,  and this has been on-going for Terri for at least 6 weeks. But he still may recover a swarm in this trap box as described in my last post. And it is 'not impossible' that his own bees will not choose it as well. As gww; Ive personally had it happen (though that was not my goal).

I for one, fully understand what you are saying beesnweeds to your point and credit. While Remembering the ongoing discussion, anticipation, and excitement of Father Michael a few years back when he was in almost the same spot as Terri. More than one of us tried to give him a heads up, in case they left, (which they did). I also remember the disappointment that he faced when they left the area, and the disappointment we felt for him.

The bees, more times than not, will leave in my experience. But we never know for sure what they will decide to do.

I also agree with you that it is better to save them the swarming experience by our good beekeeping methods.. (when possible)...

Phillip

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GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: Swarm Catching

« Last post by beesnweeds on May 18, 2024, 11:30:54 pm »

The bees are not investigating the trap, they are drifting to it.  I dont know if it would deter a swarm, maybe?  But in its current location its confusing a new beekeeper and a new hive.  I know it's an unpopular observation on this thread but by the video and Terris posts Im fairly certain it's just his bees drifting.

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GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: Swarm Catching

« Last post by Ben Framed on May 18, 2024, 11:25:23 pm »

No it will not prevent a swarm from entering. Or will it? Lets consider.

Even if Terris' own bees are simply drifting, checking out the swarm box for curiosity alone, does not mean the effort is in vane. As Beemaster2 pointed out in an earlier post, of himself witnessing a swam come 'in' to his apiary from another location, (which were apparently not bees of his apiary). 

Taking that into consideration, even if Terris' own bees do not choose to call the the prepared swarm box home, does not mean bees from another location will not either. Terri may get lucky enough to collect a swarm from a completely different source from somewhere else in his general area, that he may not know about himself? After all, it happened for Jim..... 

48

GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: Swarm Catching

« Last post by The15thMember on May 18, 2024, 11:02:49 pm »

Does it matter if his bees are investigating the trap?  Like, that won't prevent a swarm from choosing it, right?   

49

GREETINGS/TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF / Re: Hello From Utah

« Last post by The15thMember on May 18, 2024, 10:56:02 pm »

Welcome to Beemaster.
Where is utha. Please add it to your profile.
 Jim Altmiller

I think he just meant "Utah".    I fixed it. 

50

GREETINGS/TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF / Re: Hello From Utah

« Last post by Terri Yaki on May 18, 2024, 10:37:22 pm »

Welcome, bmilesmiles. I'd recommend finding a beekeepers club in your area and see if any of them offer beekeeping classes. You'll meet experienced beeks local to you who can help you out.