Bait box question

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I have a spare hive. If I set this spare hive up on my allotment site, would it attract a swarm or not or are there many variables to take into consideration like the main hive being beside it?

 

[oliver90owner]

There is always the chance of a swarm arriving. Generally apart from, not adjacent to, other hives is consideresed better but one can never really be sure. Solid floor is better than OMF, apparently and some old empty brood comb is an asset, too - something you may not have as yet.

Many variables, yes, but the bees will generally choose something within a kilometre and it will be the best available to them at the time. Previous use as a bee 'des res' is a good selling point to the scouts, but a new box would not put them off unduly, I would have thought (most bait hives have likely been scorched).

 

[sputnam]

Old black comb is best, but any beeswax will help. Some people believe that lemongrass oil helps as well.
The hive is more likely to catch a swarm if it's raised up - on a bank, a building or in a tree for example - and if it is shaded by a tree of bushes.
See http://www.westcornwallbka.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Bait_hives.pdf

 

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Thanks peeps.