When bees swarm it is a unique and mysterious phenomenon that happens all over the world. The swarming bees are usually docile and can be easily handled by an experienced beekeeper. The idea of catching a swarm is a delight for the beginning beekeeper. Fortunately, it doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to attract them.

In this article, we will explore the various ways in which you can attract a swarm of bees to your yard. We will examine the options, benefits, drawbacks, and how to get started. We hope you enjoy it!

Swarm Equipment

Swarms of bees are a wonderful sight to see. However, it is not always easy to catch a swarm because the beekeeper cannot control where they will land. However, you can increase the likelihood that the bees will move into an empty hive by using swarm bait. You will also need to put together the right equipment ahead of time. You will need a swarm box, a smoker, a bee brush, and a bee-friendly yard.

The swarm box is a container that will attract the bees. The box is made out of wood, plastic, or cardboard. You can make the box yourself or buy one from a beekeeping supply store. The box should be placed in a location that is accessible to the bees. The recommended volume of the box is 35-40 liters, or about the size of a deep hive box. The box should face Southeast if possible and have a small opening. A 1-1/4″ hole is the recommended size for the hive opening.

Swarm Bait

To attract the bees into the swarm trap you will want to use swarm bait or swarm lure. This is a product that mimics the natural pheromones that bees use to identify a new location that is suitable for the swarm. There are many swarm lures on the market. Most of them contain Lemongrass Essential Oil. This is attractive to bees, but it is not quite as good as the bees’ actual Nasonov Pheromone. Scientific Swarm Bait is formulated to mimic the honeybees’ Nasanov Pheromone. This is what makes our Swarm Bait so effective.

Timing

To attract a swarm of bees you must also consider the timing. Bees usually swarm at specific times of the year. The swarm seasons vary by geographic region. So it is helpful to check with beekeepers in your area to find out when the swarm season occurs. Timing the setup of your swarm trap to correspond with the peak swarming period will help ensure your success.

Scout Bees

It is actually the Scout Bees who will determine where the swarm will go. Scout Bees have the special duty of determining the best location for the swarm. Scout bees will begin looking for a new location about two weeks before the swarm leaves the old hive. So it is important to install Swarm Bait in the swarm trap early in the swarm season.

Positioning the Swarm Trap

Once you have the swarm trap baited with a good swarm lure you should position it about 8 – 10 feet above the ground. This is an optimum height for attracting swarming bees. 

Finally, you should check on the swarm trap every few days. Once the bees move in you will need to act quickly to move them to a permanent hive and feed them. Otherwise, there is a chance that they will move out of the swarm trap and find another location.

I hope that this article has provided some valuable insights into how you can attract a swarm of bees to your yard. Remember that timing is important! So be prepared early in the season to set up your swarm traps and start attracting those bees.