I am at present removing several colonies from buildings by trapping with
screen cone method.  Every time I do this, it is always a hassle to get the
cone just right and then sealing around it.  Today I tried something new.
I purchased several sizes of clear plastic tubing.  I reduced the opening
to one small entrance of about 1 1/2 " X 3/4".  I then placed a 3" section
of 3/4" tubing and sealed it in place with "Great Stuff" foam sealer.  I
then sealed up all remaining openings that the bees found.  I then put a
short section of 5/8" tubing in the 3/4" and 3/8" into the 5/8".  The 3/8"
tubing is about 8" long and the other end was placed just inside the
entrance of a NUC in front of the original entrance.  For about 30 minutes
the bees were frantic to get back in but couldn't find an entrance to their
old nest.  Finally a few found the NUC and started scenting.  After 45
minutes,  most bees were entering the new hive with returning field bees
searching for a short time and then they too entered.
 
It took about 30 minutes for the bees to start exiting via the tubing.
However once started they came out in a steady stream.  If this continues
to work as well as it started, I will never again use screening.
 
 Frank Humphrey
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