Reuse that ProNuc Box as a Swarm Lure !

 SWARM LURE BOX IDEA

Good Afternoon!

I came up with this idea last night.  My mind does this to me time to time!  :-)😅

Basically, it is the ProNuc box with a rachet strap attached to the box.  This is critical because when you are up on the ladder - this is very awkard and dangerous.  I used large headed screws to attach the strap plus I used a leather punch to make holes in the strap so the screws would work without 'bunching' up the strap.

Three screws attach the strap as shown.  Be sure to use a leather punch to make holes in the strap BEFORE screwing it to the box

Use the 'hook strap' and attach it like this.

I used one frame that was drawn with some honey.  The other 4 frames are waxed but just foundation to allow for room for the swarm to settle in

Using a free standing ladder (BE CAREFUL!)  Swing the strap about a tree like this.  This does take a bit of 'wrestling' to get the strap in the rachet.  I found that attaching it loosely THEN adjust the box to the right direction.  Place the lid, make sure the lid fits securely, and use a small stick or block to 'plumb it up' the box so it sits perfectly upright.  Square to the grond and level as much as possible.

This shows the rachet strap setup

All set!   Ready for some new tenants to arrive!

Feed Preference Tests

 Feed Test Results - initial.  This colony consumed this in just two days.  The ProBiotic feed is in the 4th jar in the bottom pic

 Rescued a wild colony that setup 'shop' in a basement!

After pulling off sheetrock and some gentle cool smoke to calm them down a bit.

We gently transferred the removed combs with brood to temporary frames use rubber bands to keep the comb upright in on the frame.  Then, the frame was put into a normal 8 frame box.  Later that evening, I carefully placed these boxes onto an existing hive for merging.  This is important because the existing hive provides the warmth to keep this brood warm.  Yes, it is hot during the day but by early morning it would be in the 50's which might hurt and chill the developing brood.  

We hope for the best!  It was very rewarding saving them as the owner wanted them removed which would involve killing them. 

Temp frame solution - using rubber bands

Using DuMor Probiotic Recipe for 1:1 treatment

Recipe:  2 CC of Probiotic power to 1 gallon of syrup (Warm)

1 Tsp of  DuMor Amino Acid/Vitamin mix

Mix thoroughly. 

Pro-DFM and Powder Sugar Dispenser/Applicator Idea

 So, I've been using this 'pro-biotic' for some time now and I find it really helps!  

But the problem was getting the application in - using a spoon and container.  Of course, I would spill the stuff from time to time so this afternoon I came up with an idea.  A 'pro-dfm' shaker.

Its a big 'salt shaker' using an old peanut butter jar.  It was washed and cleaned out and I drilled some holes in the lid.  It has a 1 to 1 mix ratio of the Pro-DFM and Powder Sugar.

1/8th inch holes

Just a few shakes and its on!  NO spoon, No Mess, QUICK

They really LIKE it!

More May Antics and Adventures...

 

A Small Yard in Town

Swarm Catchin

Checker boarding new undrawn with drawn 
for adding supers

Busy May as Well!

 Things have been hoping here!  I have several yards, two trailers and some new locations to work with.  

The good news is the Bees are building now, feeding some amazing blooms and pollen now.

This yard is along the Palouse River - just South West of Spokane.  Amazing bloom! 

New Trailer with 34 colonies on board

Speaking of bloom - check this out!

Apple Blossom

 

One of the yards looking down the Colville Valley

Goofy Selfie

A big drop of syrup has some 'customers'

Another Great Yard Up North