Attracting swarms (swarm traps)
Attracting swarms is a cost-effective way for beekeepers to expand their apiaries or replace winter losses. Swarm traps are used to lure swarms of bees to establish a new colony in a controlled location. Successful swarm trapping depends on understanding swarm behavior and using attractants and trap placement strategies. Swarm trapping can be a more sustainable and natural method of colony acquisition compared to purchasing packaged bees or nucleus colonies.
- Swarm lure (pheromones)4
Commercial swarm lures utilize synthetic queen pheromones to mimic the natural attractants that bees use to find a new home. These lures are typically available in liquid or solid formats and are applied inside swarm traps to enhance their appeal. Pheromones are highly effective in attracting scout…
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Swarm lure
- Old comb in swarm traps3
Placing old brood comb inside swarm traps is a highly effective natural attractant. Old comb contains residual bee-related scents, including pheromones and beeswax odor, which are highly appealing to scout bees searching for a new hive location. The scent of old comb signals to bees that the trap…
📌 diy4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Old brood comb
- Proper swarm trap placement3
Proper placement of swarm traps is critical for attracting swarms. Ideal locations are sheltered from direct sun and wind, near potential swarm sources like established apiaries or wooded areas, and off the ground at a height of 8-15 feet. Elevated traps are more easily discovered by scout bees.…
📌 none4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Ladder (optional)