You’re enjoying your morning coffee when your neighbor frantically knocks on your door, pointing to a massive cluster of buzzing bees hanging from their apple tree. “What do I do?” they ask, panic in their voice. If you knew how to catch bee swarms, you could turn this crisis into an opportunity – gaining thousands of beneficial pollinators while helping your community.
Bee swarming is nature’s way of colony reproduction, and understanding this process can transform you from a worried observer into a confident swarm catcher. Whether you’re a beginner beekeeper or someone who simply wants to help these vital pollinators, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about safely capturing and relocating bee swarms.
Understanding Bee Swarms: The Basics Every Catcher Should Know
Before diving into how to catch bee swarms, it’s crucial to understand what you’re dealing with. A bee swarm occurs when a colony splits, with the old queen and roughly half the worker bees leaving to establish a new home. This typically happens during spring and early summer when colonies are thriving and space becomes limited.
Swarming bees are actually at their most docile state. They’ve gorged themselves with honey before leaving, making them less likely to sting. Think of them as travelers with full stomachs – they’re focused on finding their new home, not defending territory they don’t yet have.
When and Where to Find Bee Swarms
The bee swarming season runs from April through July in most of the United States, with peak activity occurring in May and June. Swarms typically emerge between 10 AM and 2 PM on warm, sunny days following a period of good weather.
Common swarm locations include:
- Tree branches (especially fruit trees)
- Fence posts and railings
- Building eaves and overhangs
- Playground equipment
- Vehicle bumpers and mirrors
Essential Equipment for Catching Bee Swarms
Success in swarm catching depends heavily on having the right tools. Here’s what every swarm catcher needs:
Primary Capture Equipment
| Equipment | Purpose | Recommended Type |
|---|---|---|
| Swarm Box/Nuc Box | Primary container | Dadant Swarm Box or 5-frame nucleus box |
| Bee Brush | Gentle bee movement | Soft-bristled bee brush |
| Pruning Shears | Branch access | Sharp, clean pruning shears |
| Drop Cloth | Bee collection | Light-colored bed sheet or tarp |
Safety and Transport Gear
Protective equipment is non-negotiable when learning how to catch bee swarms. At minimum, you’ll need:
- Full bee suit or jacket with attached veil
- Leather gloves (though some experienced catchers prefer bare hands for dexterity)
- Closed-toe shoes with long pants
- Smoker with fuel (pine needles, burlap, or commercial fuel)
For transport, secure your swarm box with ratcheting straps and ensure adequate ventilation. A queen excluder can prevent the queen from escaping during the journey.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Catch Bee Swarms Safely
Method 1: The Branch Shake Technique
This is the most common method for catching bee swarms on accessible branches:
- Position your equipment below the swarm cluster
- Spread your drop cloth directly under the branch
- Hold the swarm box close to the cluster
- Give the branch a sharp shake to dislodge the bees into the box
- Quickly cover the box with its lid, leaving small ventilation gaps
The key is confidence and swift movement. Hesitation often leads to scattered bees and a more difficult capture.
Method 2: The Brush and Scoop Method
For swarms on surfaces where shaking isn’t possible:
- Smoke the swarm lightly to calm the bees
- Use your bee brush to gently guide bees into the collection box
- Work methodically from the edges toward the center
- Watch for the queen – once she’s in the box, others will follow
Dealing with High Swarms
Catching a bee swarm high in a tree requires additional planning. Options include:
- Extension poles with attached collection boxes
- Ladder work (with a spotter for safety)
- Professional help for swarms above 15 feet
- Waiting – sometimes swarms move to more accessible locations
Using Swarm Traps and Lures
Swarm traps offer a passive approach to bee swarm catching. These artificial nest sites can intercept swarms before they settle elsewhere.
Setting Up Effective Swarm Traps
Successful swarm trap placement follows the “real estate” principle: location, location, location. Scout bees look for cavities that are:
- 10-15 feet off the ground
- 40 liters in volume (about the size of a deep hive body)
- Facing southeast for morning sun
- Protected from wind and rain
Swarm Lures That Actually Work
Lemongrass oil remains the gold standard for swarm attraction. Its scent mimics queen pheromones, making it irresistible to scout bees. Apply 5-10 drops to the entrance of your trap.
Commercial lures like Swarm Commander offer convenience and consistency. These pheromone-based attractants can increase your success rate significantly.
Other effective attractants include:
- Old brood comb (the darker, the better)
- Queen pheromone lures
- Nasonov pheromone products
Post-Capture: Ensuring Your Swarm Stays Put
Catching the swarm is only half the battle. Preventing bee absconding requires attention to their new home’s conditions.
Immediate Post-Capture Steps
- Keep the hive closed for 24-48 hours to encourage acceptance
- Provide ventilation but maintain darkness
- Place in a cool, quiet location initially
- Check for the queen’s presence by observing bee behavior
Long-Term Swarm Retention
Once you’ve moved your swarm to its permanent home:
- Feed with sugar syrup if natural nectar is scarce
- Install drawn comb if available to encourage staying
- Monitor for queen problems – a queenless swarm will often abscond
- Avoid excessive inspections for the first week
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced beekeepers make errors when learning how to catch bee swarms. Here are the most common pitfalls:
Rushing the process often results in incomplete captures. Take time to ensure you’ve collected the queen and most of the colony.
Inadequate equipment preparation can turn a simple capture into a disaster. Always check your gear before heading out.
Ignoring weather conditions is another frequent error. Avoid capturing swarms in threatening weather or late in the day.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Before you start catching bee swarms, understand your local regulations. Some areas require:
- Property owner permission
- Beekeeping licenses or registrations
- Adherence to pesticide use restrictions
- Notification of agricultural departments
Always prioritize the bees’ welfare and public safety over capture success.
Building Your Swarm Catching Skills
Mastering how to catch bee swarms takes practice and patience. Start with easily accessible swarms and gradually work up to more challenging situations. Join local beekeeping associations where experienced members often share swarm calls with newcomers.
Consider creating a swarm catching kit that you can grab quickly when calls come in. Time is often critical, as swarms may move on within hours of being spotted.
Conclusion
Learning how to catch bee swarms transforms you from a bystander into an active participant in bee conservation. These techniques not only help you build your apiary but also provide a valuable community service. With proper equipment, safety precautions, and practice, you’ll be ready to turn the next swarm emergency call into a successful capture.
Remember, every swarm you save is a colony that might otherwise struggle to survive. Start preparing your swarm kit today, and join the ranks of beekeepers who help these essential pollinators thrive.
Ready to try swarm catching? Share your experiences in the comments below, or bookmark this guide for your next swarm encounter!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to catch a bee swarm without beekeeping experience?
While swarms are generally docile, proper protective equipment and basic bee behavior knowledge are essential. Consider shadowing an experienced beekeeper for your first few attempts.
What’s the best time of day to catch bee swarms?
Early morning to mid-afternoon offers optimal conditions. Avoid evening captures as bees become more defensive as temperatures drop.
How long does a swarm stay in one location?
Swarms typically remain clustered for 1-3 days while scout bees search for a permanent home. However, they can move within hours under certain conditions.
Can you catch a swarm that’s already entered a building?
Established colonies in structures require different techniques than swarm catching. This often involves more complex removal procedures and should typically be handled by professionals.
Do you need special permission to catch wild bee swarms?
Requirements vary by location. Check with local authorities and always obtain property owner permission before attempting any swarm removal.
What should you do if you can’t find the queen in your captured swarm?
A queenless swarm will often exhibit agitated behavior and may cluster at the hive entrance. If no queen is present, the swarm will likely abscond within 24-48 hours.