Old comb in swarm traps

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 is a previously inhabited and suitable nesting site. Using a few frames of old dark comb significantly increases the attractiveness of swarm traps, often working synergistically with swarm lures.