The document describes a new design for height-adjustable bee bowl traps. The current method of using bee bowls has problems like bowls being overturned by wind or wildlife, or difficult to locate in dense vegetation. The new design uses a wooden cross with bowls attached at each end and a screw to adjust the height by securing the cross on a rebar stake. This allows the traps to be placed higher off the ground to avoid being disturbed or run over.

1. Height-adjustable bee bowl traps By Alex Surcică, Penn State Coop. Ext.

2. The Current Way of Using Bee Bowl Traps Potential problems with the current way of using bee bowl traps: Wind and wildlife can easily overturn them and spill the contents; Bees and researchers may have difficulties locating them in dense vegetation; There is a high chance that the bowls will be run over by vehicles or stepped on.

3. Height-Adjustable Bee Bowl Traps

4. Support Cross with Bowls Attached This image depicts the wooden cross that has screw-fastened bowls at each end. These bowls will accommodate another set of 4 bowls that will contain the soapy water. This set of bowls should be placed and removed with each bee trapping; this will increase the bowls’ lifespan.

5. Installing the Height-Adjusting Screw There should be a hole drilled through the support cross with a diameter that will allow the rebar to pass through. screw should be driven trough the lower part of the cross, aiming for the tip of it to exit in the hole. Once the support cross is positioned on the rebar, by fastening the screw, the height level can be secured.

6. Installing the Height-Adjusting Screw Through the support cross should be drilled a hole with a diameter that will accommodate the rebar’s pass through A screw should be driven trough the lower part of the cross, in such a way that its tip will pass through the center of the hole. Once the support cross is positioned on the rebar, by fastening the screw, the height level can be secured.

7. Installing the Height-Adjusting Screw Through the support cross should be drilled a hole with a diameter that will accommodate the rebar’s pass through. A screw should be driven trough the lower part of the cross, aiming for the tip of it to exit in the hole. Once the support cross is positioned on the rebar, the height level can be secured by fastening the screw.

8. Height-Adjustable Bee Bowl Traps Because it was raining outside, I had to use my Clivia miniata to showcase the system.

9. Height-Adjustable Bee Bowl Traps

10. Height-Adjustable Bee Bowl Traps

11. Height-Adjustable Bee Bowl Traps For questions or suggestions email Alex.Surcica@psu.edu