Bee Vac

Today i had Katie at home she's been sick all weekend. Whilst she was asleep i started building something that i have wanted for a long time.

Last season i caught 3 swarms , unfortunately none of them made it and one even flew away the next day after capturing them. I think the reason behind this was i didn't get the queen in two cases and didn't transfer the other swarm from the cardboard nuc to a hive body.

I've been reading various ideas regarding a Bee Vac. The problem with most commercial available vac's is that they are small and then require you to transfer the bee's to a deep after the event. This stress's the bee's and adds another step in the process. Wouldnt it be better to vac the bee's straight into a deep. The other problem is there over $200.

Rob at Robo's World is a very good beekeeper with some good ideas and after reading his artical on his bee vac i thought i would be myself one. I had found an old shop vac, 1 gallon , 1 hp Vacum in a dump. So i borrowed it as they say in england and went to Lowes to get some wood and addtional hose for my little project.

Mine is not as alaborate as rob's but i think i did a good job. The vac is curently waiting its second coat of paint and then ill take some photographs off it for you all to see.