Equipment Wanted Looking to purchase old brood comb

[emmac79]

Hi everyone, I'm looking for a small amount of old brood comb for a swarm trap. Is there anyone (Scotland/UK) prepared to sell me some?

Thanks

Emma

 

[Erichalfbee]

Hi Emma and welcome to the forum. There are lots of interesting and useful bits of info here. Are you a member of your local BKA? I'm sure somebody there would give you some. No need to pay for it.
If you don't have any luck some lemongrass oil dotted on a couple of top bars is a good attractant.
Could you please put your location in your profile. A neighbour might read your post and oblige

 

[emmac79]

Ooh, no I'm not. Good idea. I've purchased some lemongrass oil but what I've read online says that the old comb is a really good factor in attracting. I figured I'd throw everything at it I'll have a look at how to add my info to the profile. thank you!

 

[RichardK]

Ooh, no I'm not. Good idea. I've purchased some lemongrass oil but what I've read online says that the old comb is a really good factor in attracting. I figured I'd throw everything at it I'll have a look at how to add my info to the profile. thank you!

By way of encouragement, I caught two swarms last year as a total beginner with no old comb at all. Everything was new and I used lemongrass oil. Good luck!

 

[emmac79]

By way of encouragement, I caught two swarms last year as a total beginner with no old comb at all. Everything was new and I used lemongrass oil. Good luck!

Oh that's so good to hear! Thank you for that. I won't fret too much

 

[Erichalfbee]

Lemongrass is good.. Just don't put it at the entrance and just use a little ...3/4 drops in the entire box is enough.
Have a look at David Evans' blog and subscribe if you haven't already
https://www.theapiarist.org/bait-hives-evolution-and-compromise/

 

[JamezF]

I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable about using brood comb of unknown provenance to bait a hive for bees that would end up in my own apiary. Perhaps if it came from someone with a really good reputation. It may not be as good, but maybe you could use a frame with a starter strip of foundation instead?

James

 

[emmac79]

Thanks James. That’s a good idea. Yes, I figured there’d be highly reputable keepers on here. I’ve reached out to one I can see is in my exact area too.

 

[blackcloud]

As above and above
Comb from outside is a dodgy deal- we all need to up our game with biosecurity.
Plus you may also attract waxmoths as well as bees.
I catch swarms every year with just lemongrass oil as bait.
Some propolis on the timber helps too but again only if it's from your own patch.
Like everything with bees the start-up is steep but it levels out pretty soon.

 

[Erichalfbee]

There's always Heidi's Sun Hive if you're into skeps

 

[emmac79]

There's always Heidi's Sun Hive if you're into skeps

Yes! I’ve watched about every skep video on YouTube! I wish I’d paid more attention in woodwork now

I found some lovely hand made ones on Etsy.

Thanks @blackcloud

 

[polymath]

Hi everyone, I'm looking for a small amount of old brood comb for a swarm trap. Is there anyone (Scotland/UK) prepared to sell me some?

Thanks

Emma

Please don't use old brood comb in swarm traps. Why, well if the brood has disease in it and you get bees from multiple hives visiting you spread the disease. As suggested lemon grass oil or other artificial solutions are as good and much safe for all other beekeeper.