A bee swarm represents the natural reproductive process of a honey bee colony. When a hive becomes overcrowded, the colony divides, with the old queen and a large portion of worker bees leaving to establish a new home. This migrating group, known as a swarm, is generally docile because it has no hive or brood to defend. The goal of using a swarm trap is to provide an ideal, temporary cavity that scouting bees will select, allowing for the safe capture and relocation of the colony for beekeeping purposes.
Essential Swarm Trap Design
The physical specifications of the swarm trap play a significant role in attracting scout bees. Research indicates the most appealing cavity volume for a honey bee swarm is approximately 40 to 60 liters. A container within this range mimics the size of a preferred natural tree hollow, which is a major factor in the bees’ selection process.
The trap should be constructed from wood, such as plywood, which provides good insulation and a protective structure. The entrance hole should be small, ideally sized between 1.5 and 2.5 square inches, and positioned near the bottom of the box. This small opening allows the bees to easily defend the cavity from pests, making the location feel secure.
Optimal Seasonal Timing and Location
Deploying swarm traps must coincide with the colony’s natural division cycle, which typically begins in late winter or early spring, well before the main nectar flow. This early timing ensures the traps are in place when the first scout bees begin searching for new nesting sites. Early swarms are more valuable as they have the longest period to build comb and forage before winter.
Placement is specific, with the trap ideally situated 10 to 15 feet off the ground, as scout bees prefer elevated locations for protection. The entrance should face south or southeast to maximize morning sun exposure and warmth, which is favorable for colony activity. Locating the trap on a visible landmark tree, particularly at the edge of a wooded area, aids discovery by flying scouts.
The trap should also be placed near a reliable water source, such as a pond or creek, since a new colony requires water for cooling and feeding the brood. The immediate area around the trap should be clear, avoiding dense brush that would obstruct the bees’ flight path. Partial shade is preferable to full sun, which can cause the trap to overheat and deter the swarm.
Utilizing Pheromones and Attractants
Luring scout bees involves using olfactory cues that mimic a naturally attractive nest site. Honey bees use the Nasonov pheromone to orient their colony and mark desirable locations. This natural pheromone is a blend of several compounds, including geraniol and citral.
Lemongrass essential oil is a simple and effective lure, as it contains high concentrations of citral, closely mimicking the Nasonov pheromone. Two to three drops applied inside the trap, or on an absorbent material, provide a sustained scent trail that draws in scout bees. The presence of old, dark drawn comb is also a powerful attractant.
The scent of aged beeswax and propolis signals to the scouts that the cavity has been used by a healthy colony, which increases the likelihood of selection. A piece of old brood comb placed inside the box acts as a visual and chemical attractant. This combination of pheromone mimicry and established comb scent is the most successful baiting strategy.
Transferring the Captured Swarm
Once a swarm has occupied the trap, management shifts to safe transport and permanent hiving. The best time to move the occupied trap is after dark or at dusk, ensuring all foraging bees have returned and are inside for the night. Before lowering the trap, the entrance must be securely sealed to prevent the bees from escaping during transport.
The new colony should be moved into a permanent hive structure as soon as possible to prevent them from building undesirable comb in the trap. To prevent the bees from flying back to the original location, move the trap over two miles away, which resets their navigational orientation. The entire contents of the swarm trap, including any frames, are then transferred directly into the new hive body.
To anchor the new colony and reduce the risk of abandonment, a frame containing open brood (larvae and eggs) from an existing healthy colony can be added. The strong pheromones released by the open brood stimulate the workers’ instinct to care for the young, making them more likely to accept and remain in the new hive.