Swarm Trap

Free Bees

Every spring, established colonies cast swarms: the old queen and roughly half the workers leave to start a new colony. Before the swarm departs permanently, scout bees spend hours or days evaluating potential nesting sites, judging each candidate on cavity volume, entrance size, height, draft protection, and other criteria researched by Thomas Seeley at Cornell University. A well-designed swarm trap mimics the ideal cavity and intercepts these scouts before the swarm chooses a less convenient location, like your neighbor's wall.

Ideal Specifications

Research by Seeley found that scout bees prefer cavities of approximately 40 liters (roughly the volume of a single deep Langstroth box), an entrance of about 15 square centimeters positioned near the bottom, and a location elevated 10 to 15 feet above the ground. Dark interior surfaces are preferred over light. A frame of old, dark brood comb inside the trap dramatically increases attractiveness because the comb scent signals "bees have lived here before."

Lures enhance attraction. Lemongrass essential oil mimics Nasonov pheromone (the scent bees use to guide nestmates to a location). A few drops on a cotton ball inside the trap brings scouts from a significant distance. Commercial swarm lures containing synthetic Nasonov pheromone components are also effective.

Timing and Placement

Set traps before swarm season begins. In Florida, that means placing them by mid-February. In northern states, April is typical. Position traps near established apiaries, along tree lines, or near known feral colony locations. Check traps weekly for activity: circling scouts at the entrance indicate the trap is being evaluated. Once a swarm moves in, give them a week to settle, then transfer the frames and bees to a full-sized hive.