Spring Swarm Traps: Setting Up Old Bee Boxes for New Bees
Spring has sprung, and with it comes one of the busiest times of the year for beekeepers: swarm season. The bees are abuzz with activity, and it’s the perfect opportunity to catch new swarms and give them a place to settle. In the latest episode of The Bush Bee Man, we dive into the art of swarm catching using some resourceful (and budget-friendly) methods.
Why Swarm Traps?
When spring arrives, bee colonies expand and often outgrow their current hives. This leads to swarming, where a portion of the bees, along with their queen, leave to find a new home. Setting up swarm traps allows beekeepers to catch these wandering bees before they head off to a hollow tree or the neighbor’s shed.
The Case for Old Bee Boxes
While there are plenty of fancy swarm attractors and slick, brand-new boxes available, The Bush Bee Man has discovered a secret: bees love old boxes. Why? They smell like home. These weathered boxes, with their leftover comb and traces of past residents, seem to outshine even the freshest white-painted boxes with new wax.
That said, there are some risks to using old boxes. Diseases can linger if the previous inhabitants had foulbrood or other issues. To mitigate this, the episode highlights steps to ensure the boxes are safe for new swarms:
Thorough Cleaning: Scrape out wax moth debris and any remnants left behind.
Inspection: Check for signs of disease and discard any frames that look suspicious.
Placement: Isolate the swarms in these old boxes until the new colony is inspected for health and vitality.
Setting the Stage for Success
In this episode, we see The Bush Bee Man prepare his boxes with a mix of resourcefulness and humor. From battling moth debris to deciding how much new wax to “waste” on the old frames, it’s a lesson in creative problem-solving. Even a “less-than-ideal” box can serve its purpose temporarily—so long as it’s placed strategically and offers bees a safe, inviting space.
Challenges of Swarm Catching
No episode of The Bush Bee Man is complete without a bit of chaos. When a swarm is spotted high up in a pine tree, it’s time to break out the ladder and safety gear. The scene that follows is equal parts suspense and comedy as our beekeeper scales the tree, all while questioning his life choices.
As the swarm is finally coaxed into a box (after a few stumbles, of course), we’re reminded of the unpredictable nature of beekeeping. Whether it’s the bees deciding to settle on a neighboring branch or the occasional magpie getting involved, no two days are the same.
Tips for Swarm Catchers
If you’re considering setting up your own swarm traps this spring, here are a few takeaways from the episode:
Use What You Have: Old bee boxes, cleaned and prepped, can be just as effective as brand-new ones.
Scout Locations Carefully: Place your traps in areas where bees are likely to be foraging or moving.
Be Patient: It might take a few days (or weeks) for a swarm to move in.
Stay Safe: Always use appropriate safety equipment, especially when climbing or dealing with aggressive bees.
Why Beekeeping Is Worth It
Beyond the practicalities, this episode also highlights the therapeutic side of beekeeping. As The Bush Bee Man puts it, working with bees can be incredibly grounding. Even with the challenges, there’s a unique satisfaction in providing a home for a new colony and witnessing the magic of nature up close.