Propolis and old comb in a swarm trap

[Cheech]

Hi
would rubbing propolis and old comb inside the swarm trap along with lemongrass oil increase the success rate?
or just using lemongrass oil is all that is needed?
regards

[AllenF]

Anything with bee scent to help bring in the bees.   Don't forget about old slum gum also.

[beyondthesidewalks]

Keep in mind that you live in a very warm climate and wax moths are probably a year round problem for you.  If you leave old black comb or slumgum in a hive, you will definitely attract wax moths that will make a mess of your trap.  LGO is sufficient, alone, to lure in bees.  Never tried propolis in a swarm trap so I cannot help on that count.  Happy trapping.

[vmmartin]

I believe propolis does help. I have had better success in traps with propolis than in those without.  Of course, there are many other variables that go into the success or failure rate of a traps.  I know that when I am cleaning up old equipment and take my propane torch to it to lightly flame all the wood, within minutes bees are around me because, imo, the smell the heated propolis.  It really has a neat smell.