Swarm Trap Types - Pros & Cons, What Bees Want - Swarm Trapping #1

[@sunsetheritage]

I love listening to this video. The volume of information in just this one video blows so many other Tubers out of the water. I think the best part is the fact that the trap doesn’t have to be 15 feet up in a tree like others say. Being a 49 year old woman, there’s no way I can handle climbing ladders that high with a box of bees in my arm. I can however stand on the tailgate of my Colorado without falling or breaking my neck on a ladder. Thank you 👏👏

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I’m learning to work smarter, not harder!

[@beefriendlychannel7965]

Bees prefer being off the ground because of how they fly. They don't have to climb to cruising altitude. They micromanage for efficiency.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Interesting thought. Most folks think they like being high to avoid predators.

[@beefriendlychannel7965]

@@DuckRiverHoney bears and raccoons can climb, so I'm not seeing the logic there. If you think about bees like airplanes, they save a lot of fuel if they don't have to climb as high. It saves time and energy on the departures and landings. If I had it better, I'd use a deer tree stand. They come with an attached ladder.

[@haroldmarsh5156]

And I find Myself watching this again... Always learn something new

[@doughavron]

WOW! That was very well thought out! I like the way you think and communicate your ideas and lessons learned. This will be my first year trying to catch swarms. Excited that I don't have to reinvent the wheel.

[@radsk5]

Last summer was the first year I tried swarm traps and it was crazy amazing

[@ToBeeOrNotToBeHoney]

Nicely done, clear explanations and no random talking about unrelated issues.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@texla7392]

I agree, those 23mins felt like 5mins. Very informative, knowledgeable, and to the point. Liked and subscribed within the first couple of minutes. Excited to see your channel grow!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@ToBeeOrNotToBeHoney]

@@texla7392 Same here, and I don't subscribe to very many feeds.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

High praise, I appreciate it.

[@nadezdacox6005]

I had a bee swarm in my styrofoam cooler i have set up as winter shelter for cats. It was deep in the evegreen bushes, no sun, on the ground, round opening for cats, hay i side. It was a big swarm.

[@aidanquick3151]

Great vid. A full depth box with medium frames would give a cavity as well.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Yep, it works. With drawn comb for bait I don’t think the void is necessary.

[@thomasrape4616]

What I use is a 10 frame shallow box with plywood bottom and one of those entrance discs. On top of that I use a 10 frame deep with 9 foundationless frames and 1 of old brood comb. A man gave me 15 shallow boxes and this seemed to be the best use I could put them to. When I catch a swarm all I need to do is set the trap where I want the bees in my bee yard for a week then when they are ready take that 10 frame deep off and sit it on a regular bottom board, done.

[@jhulin9018]

Outstanding video and exactly what I needed to pull it all together. Thank you for not just saying "how" or "what" you did but also giving the "why" because then I can adapt your leanings and information easily to my situation...for instance I have also standardized on one size box but it happens to be 8F deeps (7F in honey super). With the spacer concept I can just adjust the spacer to meet the bees needs/wants using my standard equipment and have an effective swarm catching season. I wish all UTube channels were as articulate, organized and thus effective as yours Thanks again!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I appreciate it! Everyone has different needs so I try to explain things so folks can figure out what will work for them.

[@jeanninedoyle5393]

liked the video very much, you covered everything i needed to know about swarm hives , especially not breaking my 71 year old neck climbing a ladder installing or removing my trap, Thank you

[@DuckRiverHoney]

That's awesome! I sure hope it helps. Good luck.

[@WhatsTheBuzz]

Good information! Been out of beekeeping for many years but starting back up this year. Back in the "old days" we never had these types of resources and had to learn on our own.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Bees are so complex it’d be hard to learn enough on your own. I think there are bad things about tech, but the ability to learn is one of the biggest benefits.

[@eugeneconner6934]

As a beekeeper, a trap user, i enjoyed this video a ton

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Eugene!

[@candicel3224]

So glad KZbin suggested this video. I've subscribed and will be following. My entire goal this year is to catch a wild swarm. I want native bees, not purchased bees. Thank you so much for all the details of what works for you.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Awesome, thanks! Good luck trapping. It’s a ton of fun.

[@HiveRobbers-Honey]

Very good video. I use the Swarm box that you got the highest in the tree I've got about 15 of them I catch about 10 a year. I like to dissolve propolis in rubbing alcohol and then paint it on the inside of the boxes it gets rid of the new Lumber smell. I always have one empty swarm box so that when I take a full one out of the tree I immediately hang the empty back up.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@johncombs3270]

Nice video and very informative another attractant that you can use in your bait hive is a couple hand fulls of cedar shavings they love them I’m in eastern Kentucky and have great success doing this

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Neat, I don't think I've heard that one! Thanks

[@johnhempstead3074]

I have caught many swarms no more than 5 to 6 feet off the ground, and have caught swarm in a box i was working on at my shop. it was outside my door of shop with frames in it and i was building top, noticed bees coming and before i knew it they were everywhere put top on and bingo. Never had that happen again. The bee hive was setting on saw horses outside my shop door. lucky me.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Awesome story!

[@ttomthumb]

Thanks for the videos Nathan. Just watched them again to see what i missed the first time. Headed to the shed to start ripping boards for the hangers and spacers. Cant wait to see how my traps work and to watch your checks with you. Looking forward to your videos. Thank you.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@PingHansen]

Top-notch! This video is well researched, well presented, and well reasoned. It contains some very practical advice based on experience, as well as relevant information about the whys. I am very partial to channels that don't just take a newly hatched, half-cooked idea and present it in a video without ever having tried it first. This video nails it 🤩 My own traps consist of one or two Warré boxes, a lid, and an eke with an entrance hole and a piece of plywood as floor. Everything is made out of discards, so the total cost is some nails. The upper box has eight top bars with vax strips, so the bees can measure the full volume of the trap while still being guided to build the comb my way - mostly.😉 I do like your foldable platform and will be adapting it. I have a few traps on flat roofs, where I place the trap on a cement tile and tie the whole thing together with baling wire. Thank you!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@eddevault4604]

Good content....I’m going to try it....I tried the locating the swarm trap high up....and it was entirely too much effort...so I’m going to use your PU truck method...and use the medium frames in a deep box also...or maybe use the deep frames in a two-medium boxes set up....Thanks....

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Awesome, give it a try!

[@smainebelhadi1193]

Thanks for the video . Lot of information. My suggestion is to use a medium sized box With all frames in it. The frames should have only one inch strips, leaving lots of space between the strips and the bottom of the frames. The bees will have no other choice but to start building those strips down.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

That may well work...one reason I use the spacer is because a single medium is only about 32L, which is a bit smaller than I’m targeting.

[@sunsetheritage]

Swarm catching is definitely something I hope to get the opportunity to do this spring. Thank you for the video!!!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I appreciate it Lorie!

[@tennheadshot3539]

Great video and excellent information. Dr. Seely wrote the book on swarm catching and if you follow his criteria, you will catch swarms!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@colette8694]

So glad to you’re recommending books by Thomas D. Seeley. He along persuaded me to be a treatment free beekeeper. Love his scientific research 🐝

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Colette, how long have you been TF? Is it going well?

[@colette8694]

@@DuckRiverHoney I started beekeeping in 2015 I have been treatment free ever since and yes it is going well 💪 Sam Comfort is another brilliant treatment free commercial Beekeeper I follow 🐝

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Very cool Collette, I think TF is upper level beekeeping. Difficult to succeed, depending on circumstances.

[@beemanrunning977]

So many excellent ideas! I also use only mediums for brood and supers and this style of swarm trap will be perfect. Transferring a swarm to the beeyard couldn't be any easier. Thanks!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Yep, for the all medium system especially it makes a ton of sense

[@m.scotthern6306]

It goes against your no ladder rule but coincides with using things in the off season. I set a swarm trap on my nephew's deer hunting ladder stand in March and take it down in August before bow season. It's on my property so I don't have to worry about theft. And it is secured to the tree. Works well.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I did the same last year and will do the same this year....I make an exception to the ladder rule for ladder stands because I can lower the trap down to the ground with a tow strap and hook, so I don't have to climb the ladder while holding it. Works great! Thanks for watching and for the comment.

[@petermurless6891]

Im doing the same in Sweden, it

[@vigab9601]

I hang and take down swarm traps using a climbing tree stand that I use for deer hunting. I use a rope to haul up the trap and a rope to lower it down. The tree stand provides a stable platform to hang the trap in the tree. I want my traps high to discourage theft.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I did the same last year and plan to this year as well. That’s the exception I make for ladders since I don’t have to carry the trap up and down the ladder. It won’t be long now!

[@michaelpurcell5573]

What a brilliant bee-keeper, such helpful information....THANK YOU

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@mikesbeesllc]

Great video. I use the 5 & 6 frame type like yours with deep frames. I don't use medium frames except for honey. I carry 2 spare traps on my truck in swarm season to replace those that catch swarms. I take them to my "swarm" yard and hive with a queen extruder over bottom board if I see no eggs. Then this swarm trap becomes one of my spares on my truck. For the past 2 years I have caught 12 swarms and quit for the year as it strains my equipment inventory. This year if the swarm is not super huge I am going to combine every 2 that I catch and replace queen with my own stock. Good luck with your swarm catching this year and I will be watching. Thanks

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Awesome feedback. I’m planning a video - “Why Catch Swarms?” You and I think alike....swarms are like a multitool. Use them to build comb, increase hive count, reserve queens, or boost existing hive populations during the flow. Lots of ways to use them.

[@mikesbeesllc]

@@DuckRiverHoney One thing I was going to mention. Check traps at least weekly and open the trap to check for paper wasp or mud dobbers. Honey bees will not go in if there are wasps in the trap.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Nice tip, thanks! I haven’t seen wasps yet but will keep watch.

[@benca6151]

The one lowest to the ground, I made a bunch of those last year. Caught 3 swarms with them. Another tip, find someone who is a beekeeper and go to one of their neighbors down the road. Put the traps up there. You'll catch the swarms. Its fun and free.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Good deal! I’ve got about 20 or 21 out now, nearing the end of my line rollout.

[@dallasjr750]

Great video and explanation on trapping bees. I have had great success trapping over the past 5 seasons. We use one spray of Swarm Commander in the entrance and one frame of old comb inside as bait. Also agree with the no ladder rule. Did it my first year, never again.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Awesome! I love swarm trapping. Checking them is like Christmas.

[@plainsimple442]

Did you have a problem with wax moths on the old comb?

[@dallasjr750]

@@plainsimple442 no, I only leave my traps up late May thru July. Moths seem to appear later in the season. And besides that, I used old frames and very old comb that needs replaced anyway.

[@daisyshoney6021]

I closed my eyes for a second watching your video. You sound just like Jamie Ellis, professor in UF’s Department of Entomology and Nematology. That's a good thing. Love you videos .

[@DuckRiverHoney]

LOL, I did some student teaching in grad school in the College of Ag at the University of Tennessee. I thought seriously about becoming a professor. Thanks!

[@got2kittys]

Great video, you hit all the right stuff! I use a full sized deep box for a swarm lure. Used boxes are best. They don't need to be removed, just brought home, and expanded, like any other hive. Never put a box anywhere you can't remain on your feet. No ladders, all your work is ruined by dropping a box, or falling. Camouflage paint, just basic natural colors, prevent prevents tampering. Outa sight, out of mind.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I like used deeps as well, perfect size.

[@marvinfrederick7307]

Thanks new at beekeeping my first time. I hope to catch a swarm to save on buying bees video was educational

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@BlanchardsBees]

I love catching swarms!🐝🐝🐝🐝

[@DuckRiverHoney]

It’s a ton of fun and very exciting checking the line....can’t wait!

[@ham2637]

Great communication and explaining. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.

[@candace3676]

Wonderful! Able to download a PDF of Honey Bee Democracy! Thank you for helping us understand Bees better.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

The free PDF is actually the publication Bait Hives for Honeybees. Honeybee Democracy you'd have to purchase. It's a nice book, worth reading. Thanks for watching, and for the comment!

[@scotthibbs]

Nailed it! - Perfect video. Can't wait to see your success this year.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thank you much, I appreciate it!

[@matthewklump7586]

I made the same decision last spring no more landers. Al mine are 4' to 6' off the ground. I also run a solid bottom board, empty medium on bottom and a full deep on top with two old brood frames. I caught 7 swarms last year 5 from the same tree.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Wow that’s a good spot! What was the timeframe? One after the other?

[@matthewklump7586]

@@DuckRiverHoney i kept two traps on the same fence line. just in case of a virgin swarm. it was from mid may until mid july

[@petermurless6891]

One can land on the ground when falling off a lander.

[@TheVolOpt]

Single use threw me for a moment, because when I think single use I think can only be used once. Does not help that am like super green/new to bees, just getting feelers out stage. After you got into explaining the multiple applications of your new preferred setup it made more sense that it was single purpose. Outside of that initial misunderstanding, this had some helpful information/direction.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks, hard to choose the best words all the time.

[@indsov2010]

The video I've been trying to find for 2 years! Thanks so much! Does anyone else feel there is a need/chance for a business model built on a traveling "swarm master". Meaning you come to my 20 acre farm in Allardt, TN, spend 4 hours with me teaching me swarm knowledge including placement and construction of traps on said 20 acres, and I pay you $60/hr. I have 95% of the equipment and probably 80 % of the tools to accomplish my goal of catching 2-3 swarms this spring. This is my 3rd year beekeeping, and caught no swarms with 2 traps out last year.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks! I used to live in Maryville and would have driven up, but you’re a haul away now. Swarms aren’t that hard, but they are persnickety....you just have to be very detailed in what you give them.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks! I used to live in Maryville and would have driven up, but you’re a haul away now. Swarms aren’t that hard, but they are persnickety....you just have to be very detailed in what you give them.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks! I used to live in Maryville and would have driven up, but you’re a haul away now. Swarms aren’t that hard, but they are persnickety....you just have to be very detailed in what you give them.

[@8pumpkin18]

Perfect timing season wise!

[@kennahycopatience5839]

Nice to see a new bee keeper on KZbin

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@wjarnock44]

You are a bee mechanic - impressive !!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@jonathanjefferies5187]

Wha hoo! I’m so excited to try this out this spring. You are an excellent educator! Thank you

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Jonathan, good luck!

[@johnsokolowski4507]

Very informative, I learned a lot. Been a Beek for about 6 years now, had pretty good success catching swarms last year. Looking forward to trying some of your tips.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Awesome, I appreciate it!

[@akbeal]

Very good video. I would love to see part 2 cover some different techniques for scouting for swarm trap locations. Not just typical open field tree line facing south but more of looking at google maps and finding potential areas like public access areas or places along a river or such and scouting those.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I really appreciate the feedback. I’m planning a location video but I wasn’t going to go that in depth. Now I will...it’ll make it more useful.

[@nfinitymarine4466]

I'll be interested too. I take pride in catching many swams each year. My take on it is trap design, understanding flyways where you know bees should be and deer hunting skills. I use a 40 litter 5 frame box like the design on the left. I get between 15 and 20 swarms a year. I run 14 traps. Good video.

[@mcmillan357]

Really great information. I been using the same bait give literature w no success. I use medium supers so this helps me rethink and retool my approach. Thanks much.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I’ll cover locations and baiting pretty thoroughly in the series. I also plan a weekly swarm trap line series. Time and schedule allowing!

[@rickriley7018]

WOW Young man. Really good video..... You know what you are doing How refreshing So many are wanna bee keepers and newbies. I appreciate their efforts.... that is good and i watch, but I like to find someone with some expertise. Thank you!!! RIck in mountains south western Pa.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thank you Mr. Rick! I am still learning as well, but if you ask my wife she'll tell you I'm a little obsessive about research and learning.

[@ocurryfarm4816]

Could you do a video on your collapsible swarm trap holder

[@DuckRiverHoney]

This one covers it fairly well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJvFdHZuoJl9pa8

[@ocurryfarm4816]

@@DuckRiverHoney they work great. Got 4out5 from my bait hives thank you for information

[@herbramsey3375]

I am just being gening into beekeeping an I was wondering how u get the bees out 9f the bee traps to the bee hives that trap make it easy I like it

[@DuckRiverHoney]

You close up the entrance after dark or early morning when all the bees are home and move them. If you move them several miles it’s actually simpler than if you move them a short distance.

[@bobmcarthur5468]

Thankyou, I will be following along and trying this just as you say.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Good luck Bob!

[@SalamAli-qr3qh]

Very informative video I appreciate it.I like to hear your thoughts about just using a deep and put medium frames in it to give them the space in the bottom.also I think your hat have some thing to do with your swarm catching success!where can I get one of them?

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I think that is a great idea. Bees will build comb off the bottom of the frames if you leave them in long enough, but those frames would still fit in a deep box, so they're usable. Keep them on the bottom and they'll be empty next spring...just scrape off the foundationless comb and put the frames into a medium box at that point if you want to.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

The hat is a Stormy Kromer. I'm a bit of an eccentric...I like hats. I wish men still wore fedoras commonly so I wouldn't look like an oddball.

[@stephaniebettel7846]

Thank you so much for your videos, they're so full of information. Here in Europe Swarmcatching isn't that much of a thing, only an emergency measure, so it's quite hard getting good information. This video helped so much! Big Thank you!!!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@micksbeesstephens5327]

Very good comparative video on traps. Agree on the importance of Honey Bee Democracy book, a must read. Been using 5 homemade traps of the 40L tall type, I actually fill them with 5 med frames over 5 and wired together so you pull 2 out at a time and keeps wild comb out of the bottom. Swarm Commander is great , thanks from Nashville.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Awesome, thanks! My grandmother has lived in Nashville since 1950. Lots of changes over the last 20 years or so.

[@seaturtle7777]

Excellent video. I like your theory about a possible correlation between bait box and swarm sizing. Subscribed.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@edwardharless3263]

Very good points…. Thanks for your time and sharing with us

[@fredvillines7818]

I like the idea of standardizing the size to medium and using different block outs to adjust for size. I would wonder if a swarm box could be constructed from a brood box (I'm sure my ignorance is revealed)? It would seem that this would not only enable the catch but simplify moving, placement and addition of harvest-able comb in the upper assembly add-on. It does raise a question of re-usability. I would like to see detailed plans for your design.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I covered some detail in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJvFdHZuoJl9pa8

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Spacers are pretty simple. A deep box with medium frames would work fine as well.

[@edwardmccann3877]

@@DuckRiverHoney ❤

[@edwardmccann3877]

😊

[@robertshorthill6836]

It is April 9, '22 today, here in SW MT. We have had very nice weather but a cold few days is forecast. I plan to get swarm boxes out around the 15th. I have three boxes ready to go except for a frame of old comb. A local fellow has hives, but seems reluctant to turn lose of some of his junkers. Tues is our monthly meeting. I will ask him again if I can get a few combs. Hopefully he can part with 3 or 4. My bee supply store never heard of Swarm Commander so that's out, but I do have an expensive bottle of lemongrass oil. I made myself an OA vaporizer contraption if needed.

[@robertshorthill6836]

As a side note here-- I'm going to try the Layens system with the deeper frames.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I love Montana, was able to visit the Missoula area last year. You’ll have cold winters, So do your homework, and good luck!

[@stanleyray4085]

I enjoy your videos, very good information but I prefer Layens hives over Lanfstroth hives.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Layens are neat for sure. I wouldn’t mind one or two.

[@michaelpariera4328]

Thank you, what you gave me is perfect. I have built a couple that don't fold up and they are a hastle to store. Have a great day and thank you for the video.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Glad I could help!

[@bennyjimenez6041]

Very good information

[@danno1800]

What a useful video! Thanks very much - I appreciate it.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Dan, hope it helps.

[@ranunculusglacialis1413]

It works definitely! I got 4 big swarms out of 4 boxes this year;-)

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Awesome!

[@lm386opamp]

Thank you for the book recommendations!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

You’re welcome, thanks for the comment!

[@lm386opamp]

@@DuckRiverHoney you bet! The book Honeybee Democracy is available as a free PDF download via some colleges. I get my first package next month, the family and I are assembling our hive and stand today after breakfast.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

That’s awesome, it’s a great book. Have fun!

[@seedsandarrowsfrontier9224]

Great video!! I caught my swarm last year in an 8 frame deep. I will also bee using the 5 gallon bucket this year just because i can get them for free. Good luck this spring!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks, and you too!

[@lisabeautyskindeep]

We put a swarm trap in our tree in the back yard. Nothing yet. I sprayed Swarm Commander. I think I may need to put some propolis in it

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Good luck!

[@kingsleyodigie998]

Very detailed and educational

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@hockinghillshoneyfarm9273]

Great video I really love swarm trapping too.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Dave, I can’t wait to get traps out.

[@gregcrenshaw4242]

Wow! Great information! I learned several new things.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Awesome, I’m glad!

[@paulgibson8056]

Outstanding! I’m just getting started, and this is the most helpful (for me) swarm trap video I’ve found. Thank you for producing this video.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Awesome, I really appreciate the encouraging words!

[@keithgiarrusso351]

For folks starting out with trapping. Buy frames and use traps that hold them. It absolutely works and cutting out and installing comb is not a beginner thing. And the more experience you have the more you don’t want to do it. You can leave space and save money by not using foundation. A small strip of foundation across the top is fine. Plastic or wax. My personal favorite is to staple the wooden strip in place sideways after dipping in wax with no foundation. They will build beautiful comb from the frames done this way and it will leave the center of your box wide open. Double trap anywhere you feel is a good spot, or you have caught before.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Absolutely, good advice!

[@woodlandharvesthoneycompanyllc]

I'm thinking you could use a hive body and put medium frames in it. That would supply the void and you wouldn't need a spacer.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

You can. I run all mediums and don't have any deeps. Also, it's easier for me to pull the spacer and just set the medium down on a bottom board. Several ways to accomplish the same thing based on what equipment you use.

[@masoudmon3411]

Very nice presentation thanks

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@Reevestkd]

Very good information and very well produced.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thank you for the kind words! I’m new to video but learning.

[@Reevestkd]

@@DuckRiverHoney please keep it up and good luck with your season

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@michaelpariera4328]

Can you show or have plans for the trap holder with the cables?

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Scrap wood from 20 to 25” lengths..... eyeballed the construction. The bottom needs to be 20ish inches long by 17+ish inches wide, top part 20ish inches tall with a crossbar 17+ish inches wide. I literally eyeballed it after the first 5. Doesn’t have to be fancy.

[@buddyblack9801]

Great share of information! Thanks so much. Looking forward to swarm season.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@twc9000]

Great video with a lot of useful information.

[@HanginOutWithStan]

Very interesting and informative Nathan! Thank you for sharing the link to this with me.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

No problem, thanks for the kind words!

[@oldgreenwichhoney7460]

Nice review of swarm traps! You noted the larger (50 & 40 ltr) hanging swarm traps were "single use".. why? I build the largest one you show, move swarm out and hang up again with a new set of frames. ps: I really like the smaller traps. lighter and provides swarm options as noted.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Single use = only used for swarm trapping. The spacer and super I can use as a swarm trap, nuc box, honey super, or hive body. I can use the spacer as a feed rim, or to shim a split so queen cells don't get damaged, etc. I like multipurpose items vs single purpose.

[@henryngwenya5761]

Looking forward to learn for the trapping season. May thankx.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I appreciate it!

[@anneniles3156]

very good video!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I appreciate it!

[@Phyllistinegm]

Wonderful education; thank you!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@isekaihomestead666]

Lots to think about, good info

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@yoopermann7942]

this more info then most of the books i read! most videos to,, thank you for the tips,,,

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@Ramdinohikes]

How far from my apiary should I place my trap to catch my own swarms?

[@slm5292]

This was very well presented. Thank you for putting it up.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@laneunger6645]

Great video. Thank you for taking the time.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@sirsymbro]

this is well said. Makes me want to watch more of what you post to see how you talk. :)

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I appreciate it! I actually stumble over my words a lot. It takes me a lot of takes to get something said cleanly. It’s a weakness of mine. I’m flattered that I did that good at hiding it! LOL

[@sirsymbro]

@@DuckRiverHoney to be honest, I meant the words you said and the way you presented the info. As someone who stutters... I tend not to even notice when someone else does. Just watched your breaking the dome video and subscribed.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@michaelcouvillon8807]

Great info. in a great video. Waiting on the rest of the story

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@mooseman5837]

Good video but what about attractant, what do you use and how often. Also do you put frames in with out drawn comb or new frames with wax foundation or plastic wax coated frames.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Baiting will be an entire video. I caught 7 swarms with 5 traps last year so what I did works but I’ll experiment with a few different things this year.

[@franktravis4045]

Nathan, very interesting and informative. Good videos.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Awesome Frank, I appreciate it! Stop by sometime and you can go through some hives with me :)

[@franktravis4045]

@@DuckRiverHoney Nathan, I am getting ready to retire in August and I will definitely have some time. I plan to get down to the farm and I will come and see you. Hope everyone is well. You do a great job on these videos. Very well shot, narrated and edited.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I'm happy for you Frank, I hope you enjoy retirement! Stop by anytime.

[@soflynnobrien]

Can you also do a video on the "new style" bait box support brace

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I've got a vlog style video shot of me making some spacers and platforms....just need time to edit.

[@paulabal6287]

This video was well done, we want to try a swarm trap(s) this year. Do you use lemongrass or swarm commander?

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I'm using both this year as a test. The second video in the series covers how I set them up and bait them in detail. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoewlIWbd7yKqtk

[@HouseCreekHomestead]

Brilliant brother

[@DuckRiverHoney]

👍

[@wing-itbeeco.9336]

do you have the instructions on how to build your folding trap hanger, the one with the hinge and cable?

[@DuckRiverHoney]

This video covers the main details. The design should be changed based on your needs and materials. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJvFdHZuoJl9pa8

[@hornbakeracres9650]

Very interesting video. You covered information I have not seen talked about in other videos. Just subscribed so look forward to watching your other videos.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@atomic1783]

Facing South obviously pertains to the Northern hemisphere. In the Southern hemisphere facing North would be optimal.

[@mapache_del_sur]

Interesting!

[@randallmuir5570]

I use both deeps and mediums. Toward the end of the video I came to understand that you use strictly mediums. But at first the question went through my mind, if you want space underneath the frames, why not make your trap out of a deep, but load it with medium frames? Not practical for you since you have no deeps, but would you agree that would work just fine for somebody like me who does have deep boxes available? Thanks for the good info which was well presented.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Yes, I think that would work great. If you leave them in it a while they’ll build foundationless comb off the bottom of the medium frames, but they would still fit in a deep.

[@3Beehivesto300]

Great video. Kind of off topic. Have you ever used the nuc boxes that brushy mountain had??? What is you preferred Nuc box for transporting and growing nucs???

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I'm using medium 10 frames supers with a double cap and ladder frame feeder (1 gallon) and 8 frames as a nuc box. 5 deep frames is roughly equal to 7.5 medium frames, so this system allows me to use the same boxes for my swarm trap, nuc box, hive body, and honey super.

[@stefkadank-derpjr1453]

All my best traps have been facing EAST getting first morning sun but protection from full mid-day sun (I'm in Georgia and it gets hot, hot, hot).

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I believe entrance direction is a factor, but not the biggest factor. Cavity size, entrance size & location, hive site, and presence of bee smell matter the most.