Description
UV-Enhanced Swarm Trap Entrance Discs: The Ultimate Scout Bee Beacon (Set of 2)
Give your swarm traps a definitive edge this season. This listing is for a set of two (2) 3D printed entrance discs made from high grade solid UV Reactive PETG plastic. They are designed to stand out to scout bees in the ultraviolet spectrum. A study published in the September 2022 issue of Bee Culture Magazine found that swarm traps fitted with UV reactive entrances saw nearly double the scout bee activity compared to non UV traps. On top of that, the UV equipped traps had a 100% catch rate during the study.
Why UV Reactive Works
Bees see in the ultraviolet spectrum which is well beyond what our eyes can detect. While these discs look like solid colors to us, they act as a high contrast landmark for bees. Sunlight is saturated with UV rays. These discs absorb that energy and fluoresce, creating a visual flicker effect as a bee flies toward the trap. Because your white swarm trap reflects light differently than the UV disc, the entrance becomes a glowing beacon that is impossible for a scout bee to miss. It is not about the specific color we see. It is about the UV contrast that draws their attention to the entrance of your trap.
Note on Baiting: While these discs are highly effective at bringing scout bees to the box from a distance, proper baiting is still necessary to coax the bees into moving in. Combining a UV reactive entrance with a high quality lure or old brood comb is the best way to ensure your swarm trap is successful.
Why PETG Over PLA
Most UV reactive entrance discs on the market are printed in PLA plastic. PLA begins to soften above 120°F and breaks down in sunlight over time. That is a major problem for something you are mounting on the outside of a swarm trap all season. Our discs are printed in PETG which offers better heat resistance up to 160°F. PETG also provides superior UV stability and stronger impact resistance. Your disc will hold up season after season instead of warping or degrading in the sun.
Two Styles: Short and Tall
Short (6mm tall): A low profile disc that sits flush against your trap. This version is lightweight and compact for easy storage.
Tall (18mm tall): Features an extended overhang that shields the entrance hole from rain and weather. The extra depth also gives guard bees a place to station themselves and protect the entrance once a swarm has moved in. If your trap is going to sit out in the elements or you want to give an established colony a head start on defense before you relocate them, the tall version is the way to go.
3 Position Design
Each disc rotates to three functional positions:
Full Open: Maximum entrance for attracting and accepting swarms
Queen Excluder: Allows workers to pass while keeping the queen and drones inside
Ventilation: Provides airflow while keeping everyone in, perfect for transporting your caught swarm
Simply mount with a single screw through the center hole and rotate to the position you need.
Available Sizes
1 inch opening (3.5 inch disc diameter)
1.5 inch opening (4 inch disc diameter)
1.75 inch opening (4.5 inch disc diameter)
2 inch opening (5 inch disc diameter)
Most swarm traps use a 1 inch to 1.5 inch entrance. The 1.75 inch and 2 inch options are available for beekeepers who prefer a larger entrance based on research suggesting bees favor larger entrance areas.
UV Reactive and Glow Colors
Glow Blue: Uses phosphorescent particles that fluoresce brightly in the UV spectrum
UV Pink
UV Yellow
UV Green
UV Orange
Standard colors are also available for those not looking for UV reactive options.
Made For Beekeepers By A Beekeeper
I designed these discs because I wanted a UV reactive entrance option in PETG that would not fall apart after a season or two in the sun. Combine that with a three position design, two profile options, and a full range of sizes, and you have the most versatile swarm trap entrance disc on the market.
Shipping
All items are made to order and ship within 1 to 3 business days.
