Attracting a natural honey bee swarm into a prepared hive, or bait hive, is a practical method beekeepers use to start a new colony or increase their apiary size. This process relies on mimicking the characteristics of a highly desirable natural cavity that scout bees are actively seeking. Success is achieved by optimizing the physical environment where the hive is placed and the internal conditions. By carefully addressing location, internal setup, and olfactory attractants, a beekeeper can significantly increase the chances of a passing swarm choosing their box.
Choosing the Best Hive Location
The external placement of the bait hive is the first step in signaling its suitability to scouting bees. Locating the hive in an elevated position, ideally between 10 and 15 feet off the ground, more closely resembles a natural tree hollow and is more attractive to swarms. Scout bees favor locations that offer a clear flight path in and out of the entrance.
The hive should be positioned to receive morning sun, which helps warm the colony early and encourages foraging activity. Facing the entrance toward the southeast or south is recommended to capture this warmth. The location should also provide a windbreak, shielding the entrance from strong prevailing winds and rain. The hive should be placed 75 to 200 yards away from the main apiary to appeal to swarms seeking a new territory.
Internal Hive Preparation and Setup
Once the external location is optimized, the internal condition of the hive must be made to feel secure and established. A major factor in a scout bee’s decision is the cavity size, and a standard Langstroth deep brood box provides a sufficient volume. Limiting the entrance size is also important, as bees prefer a small, easily defensible opening, which can be accomplished with an entrance reducer.
The contents of the hive are a strong draw, particularly the presence of old, darkened comb or frames with foundation. Bees are motivated by the scent of beeswax and propolis, which indicates a previously established home. Placing one or two frames of drawn comb within the box provides immediate, valuable resources for the new colony. If no drawn comb is available, provide frames with a foundation or foundationless frames with a starter strip.
Utilizing Swarm Attractants and Lures
Beyond the physical setup, specific olfactory signals are used to draw scout bees to the hive entrance. The most effective attractants mimic the honey bee’s natural Nasonov pheromone, which worker bees release to orient others to a desirable location. This pheromone is a blend of compounds, including citral, geraniol, and geranic acid, signaling a suitable nesting site.
Lemongrass essential oil is widely used because it contains high concentrations of citral, a primary component of the Nasonov pheromone. A few drops of pure lemongrass oil can be applied directly to the top bars of the frames or near the hive entrance. Commercial swarm lures often combine these pheromone components in a slow-release formulation that lasts for several weeks. Applying the lure sparingly inside the entrance and on internal surfaces creates an inviting scent trail for scout bees.
Securing and Monitoring the Newly Established Colony
After a swarm has successfully moved into the bait hive, the focus shifts to ensuring their retention and establishment. The newly arrived bees must be left undisturbed for five to seven days to encourage them to commit to the new space. During this initial phase, the swarm draws new comb and the queen begins laying eggs, creating a strong incentive for the colony to stay.
The hive should be secured to its stand to prevent it from being knocked over by wind or animals, which could cause the colony to abscond. Beekeepers should monitor the area to ensure the bees have access to local food and a consistent water source. If the bait hive is temporary, the swarm should be transferred to a permanent, full-sized hive box only after they have drawn significant comb and started a new brood cycle.