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3/18/2019
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Free BeesSWARMS, TRAP OUTS, CUT OUTS, AND SWARM TRAPS!
Gary Keuffer with the Brown County Beekeeping Association
What is involved in removing bees? It is labor intensive, time consuming, and can be a difficult operation in some case
Removing bees requires specialized tools and equipment.
These tools and their proper use can reduce some of the labor and time required for removing honey bees from a structure.
Basic Equipment Needed for all Removals Personal protective equipment (PPE) - when dealing with unknown bees it is recommended full suit and veil with gloves. An inspector’s jacket will work. If pants that are loose fitting around the legs and cuffs are bound to prevent crawling bees from going up the pant leg.
Standard beekeeping gear – smoker, hive tool, brush, et cetra.
Hive – to put the bees in upon removal
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Swarms
Swarms Swarms
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Obtaining Swarms Bee organizations – swarm list
Local club
Ohio State Beekeeping Association
County Extension Services
Local Publications
Internet
Craigslist
Lawn Signage
Bees generally swarm in our area late April, May, and June.
Equipment Needed for Swarm Calls Basic beekeeping equipment and PPE.
Equipment to place in bees in Hive body
Cardboard box
Buckets with lids
Bee vacuum and power source
Tarps and/or sheets
Sugar water (in a spray bottle)
Buckets mounted on a pole
Garden shears or loppers
Swarm Equipment Swarm Equipment
Swarm Equipment Swarm Equipment
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Questions to AskFive Questions to ask before catching a swarm:
1. How long have they been there?
2. What are the bees in?
3. How big are they?
4. Can you send a picture?
5. Have you done anything to the swarm?
Cut-outs from various habitatsBee Cutouts
Bee Cutouts Bee Cutouts
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Bee Cutouts Bee Cutouts
Equipment for a CutoutA large amount of tools and equipment are needed for cutout operations
A wide variety of hand tools.
Powered cutting saws and extension chords.
Ladders / scaffolding
Tarps / plastic sheeting
Bee vacuum
Deep super / empty frames / rubber bands
Containers with lids
Knives and a cutting board
Medical stethoscope / thermal imaging device (FLIR)
Queen catcher
Water
Equipment for a Cutout
Equipment for a Cutout Equipment for a Cutout
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Equipment for a Cutout Equipment for a Cutout
Equipment for a Cutout Equipment for a Cutout
Equipment for a Cutout Equipment for a Cutout
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The Queen Catcher
Vacant area must be filled - insulation
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Trap Out Setup Hive body with frames and foundation
Queen / Bees / Comb with brood
Wire mesh cone, 18 inches in length with a 3/8ths opening
Hogan Trap Out Box
Trap Out Setup Hogan Trap Out Box Setup
Hogan Trap Out Box Setup Trap Out Procedure All tools and materials needed for a platform
Ensure all openings are blocked except one
Cone opening on the base of the trap
Monitor trap frequently in beginning
Eight weeks later remove cone
Two weeks later move trap out
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Why Trap Swarms? Free
Good genetics
16% survival rate the first year
What is a swarm trap?A box or container that you want a swarm to move into so you can take it to your apiary.
What you want in a swarm trap The right size – ten frame Langstroth, deep is a good size
Entrance – about two square inches
Lightweight – fifteen pounds or less
Durable – to last ten years or more
Weather Tight – to keep the rain out
Economical – build it with inexpensive material
Easy to build – simple tools that don’t require woodworking skills
Taller than it is wide – easy to carry under one arm
No rack required – it attaches to the tree
Easy transfer – uses deep Langstroth frames
Scout bee friendly – not full of frames with foundation
Swarm Trap
Swarm Trap Swarm Trap
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Swarm Trap Swarm Trap
Preparing the trap for use Rub interior surfaces with propolis
Apply a few drops of lemongrass oil
One frame of old drawn comb
Three frames with starter strip foundation
Secure frame in trap
Swarm Trap Location High visibility – seen from one-hundred feet
Full shade – not full sun
Not bright color – subject to theft or vandalism
Large trees – edge of woods
Proximity to bees – near existing colonies
Places bees visit – areas rich in nectar and pollen plants
Surface water – near creeks and ponds
Entrance orientation – convenient to be observed
Lucky trees – replace trap when you take one down
Idea height – Twelve to fifteen feet off the ground
Spread traps out – about one to two miles apart
Checking the Trap Monitor trap often – weekly
Large mass of bees covering box – swarm has arrived.
A few bees moving in and out briskly – scout bees
Bees arriving with pollen - swarm has moved in
Moving the Trap Move at night
Use headlamp with red filter
Block opening with screen for ventilation
Relocate at least three miles from trap locations
Transfer frames into permanent hive.
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$125
Bibliography
McCarty, P. (n.d.). EQUIPMENT NEEDED For swarm and
honeybee hive removals. Black Mesa Honeybees.
Sharashkin, D. L. (2015, March). I LOVE SWARMS: The
Complete Guide to Attracting Honeybees. Retrieved from
Horizontal Hive.