Proper swarm trap placement

Mount swarm traps 10-15 feet above ground on sturdy tree limbs or structures, facing south or southeast, sheltered from direct afternoon sun and prevailing winds. Place traps within 300 yards of known apiaries, forest edges, or water sources where bee foraging traffic is visible. Set traps out by early spring before swarm season begins.

Why It Works

Scout bees evaluate potential nest sites based on specific criteria documented in Thomas Seeley's research: cavity volume of approximately 40 liters, elevated position, small defensible entrance (roughly 15 cm²), and shelter from weather extremes. Traps placed at 10-15 feet replicate the height of natural tree cavities that feral colonies prefer. Proximity to existing colonies increases the chance scouts will discover your trap during their search flights, which typically cover a radius of about 500 meters.

Tips

• Use a ratchet strap to secure the trap to the tree — it must withstand wind and the weight of an arriving swarm (up to 3-4 kg of bees)
• Orient the entrance away from prevailing wind direction to reduce drafts inside the trap
• Check traps weekly during swarm season (April through June in most temperate regions) so occupied traps can be relocated to your apiary promptly