How to build a Honeybee Swarm Trap | beekeeping

Here is our latest how-to video showing how we take a small amount of lumber and build a honeybee swarm trap. There are many ways to build a swarm trap and many designs but we feel this design (originally shown to us by Neighbor Nate Bees) we modified this design to work for us in this less than 30 min build.
You can finish off these swarm traps with exterior paint, wax dip, or just do a quick surface burn to help preserve the wood for years to come.
Watch our video on how to setup your trap here:
• Swarm season | honeybe...
Wood Needed
1x8x6 pine
2x4 - 15/32 exterior pine sanded
0:00 Intro
1:20 Rip the plywood (2 @19.5")
2:25 Cut the 1x8x6 (2 @ 15" & 1 @18")
3:25 Cut small the small plywood piece for side caps (2" strip)
3:49 Rip this 2" strip in half to (2 @ 2" strips)
4:43 Rip the 2 plywood 19.5" pieces down short side (2 @ 16")
5:34 Rip the 1x8 for the lid frame
6:24 Assembling the box
12:24 Assemble the lid
16:44 Assemble the hanger
19:30 Drill entrance hole & install dial disc
22:12 Final overview & wrap up
GET YOUR BOHEMIA BEE STUFF HERE:
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#beekeeping #honeybees #beekeeper #beekeeping101 #bohemiabees #swarmtrap

[@Nazerite7]

Excellent video tutorial! Is it okay to build it slightly deeper to accommodate more frames?

[@miguelmartinez1607]

Great job and you couldn't be more clear on the dimensions, people complaining about you not posting the measurements need to pay attention. Thanks a bunch!

[@BohemiaBees]

Yes I know. I recorded this a year ago. I need to go back and capture down measurements. While I appreciate the request and comments as that “people are complaining”, I’m not required to document them, as I stated when I get chance I’ll go back and try to capture them.

[@CastleHives]

That looks like a great swarm trap. Thanks for sharing this.

[@Noahsoak]

Really easy way to accommodate the frames. No router needed. Nice

[@jamesmaryman1438]

I built 4 of these today. Thanks for sharing. Simple design, came together quick.

[@guygosh1836]

Can you supply a cut list?

[@cadondubz]

Just finished building mine. Thanks!

[@BohemiaBees]

Bryan Verant awesome

[@massachusettsprepper]

Very nice tutorial indeed my friend. Thanks for sharing.

[@OldPecanHomestead]

Great video! I know its too hard too add to the video, but I suggest putting a cut list pinned to the top of the comments! Can't wait to get one made!

[@BohemiaBees]

You are correct about adding to video. But I plan to redo this video soon with all the feedback I received on this first one.

[@stetsonshaw564]

I agree it would be much meter with a cut list.

[@kentcostello8099]

I'm glad I found your channel & videos I got into beekeeping 2 years ago. I'm a old goat what my wife & daughter say I'm 52 . I'm going to keep watching your videos for help.

[@BohemiaBees]

Thank you

[@Pinpon-ni8vc]

In today’s world, that is like half a million dollars of materials

[@BohemiaBees]

exactly, this box costs us 30-40% more to make currently

[@robertshorthill6836]

I live in a place where moving them at night may be a bit cooler, but a couple screened holes near the top could be a good idea. 1.375" holes would not be too big. One on each end. A six frame Layens system box may even require a closeable bottom vent of maybe 2+ " opened when moving about 20 miles or less.

[@BohemiaBees]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@strugglingbeekeepermarkcot9642]

Very informative video thanks for sharing

[@petermurphy6216]

Thank you , great content I have one hive of which I bought I’m gonna try and catch me a swarm or two with your method of swarm trap .

[@BohemiaBees]

peter murphy thank you. Check out my other video on setting one up and baiting it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6OqZJilr5l-atU

[@hopesadler4000]

Hey Jason. What a great plan, which I plan to use. Not having to notch out the frame ledges is a game changer. I used the same design to make 4 nucs and it took no time at all. Thank you. By the way, if folks would pay attention getting the material list is pretty clear.

[@BohemiaBees]

Hope I’m glad someone noticed that. I know it’s not the perfect video but I give you enough to get the basics and go from there. Thank you for the support and good luck with the nucs.

[@BrooklandsHoneyBees]

Looks great thanks for uploading the video!

[@BohemiaBees]

Thank you for the support

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

great how to, definitely found this useful

[@BohemiaBees]

Thank you.

[@davidlewis4179]

I had a radial arm saw. The starter capacitor went bad so I set it to the curb. I'm still kicking myself for doing that!

[@merleroupe8236]

Thanks. Picked up a tip.

[@BohemiaBees]

Excellent glad we could help

[@lakers24a94]

Thanks for the video

[@BohemiaBees]

You bet

[@jbauer8519]

I would love to build this trap. Do you plan to add a cut list at some point. The video is good but it's hard to follow your cuts. Please Please add a cut list!!

[@GregoryMPetersMD]

Man this is great. Any chance you might put together some plans? I’m from the Eastern shore of Maryland originally. Great stuff. Thanks a lot for posting. If you decide to do some plans, I’d love to have a copy.

[@beeamazzzinghives]

Jason, I am just starting beekeeping this spring and I'm going to build a Swarm Trap so was watching your video. Just one FYI ....in your material list you have 5/32 for plywood where it should be 15/32. Thanks for the video...pretty straight forward design.

[@BohemiaBees]

Good catch. Thanks

[@jimcarroll5166]

A good swarm trap !!! After 40 yrs of cabinet making i noticed several things that were dangerous. Would be willing to offer suggestions to improve your shop safety

[@BohemiaBees]

I’m in no way an expert, so feedback is always welcome as long as it’s constructive. I’m not looking to show people how they should use their tools or build something, rather how I do it. You can send me your feedback though PM.

[@jimcarroll5166]

@@BohemiaBees please give me some help on how to reply pm and not public

[@BohemiaBees]

[e-mail]

[@JK-es9wu]

need to reposition the camera cant see top

[@BohemiaBees]

Noted...we will try to update the video with a better camera angle next time.

[@karlfowler3742]

I cut the 2- 2" strips off of my left over piece of Plywood for the Lid and it came up short. Measure the overall width before you make the 2 pieces for the ends. On mine that piece needed to be 20 5/8 inches long. When you cut 2- 2 inch pieces off of a 24 inch piece it only leaves 20 inches. I had to source another piece for the lid. I love this design and won't make that mistake again.

[@Mark-vw6xf]

I also would be interested in the plans and measurements. I tried to get them from the video but had a hard time understanding it all.

[@Noahsoak]

Hard to hear over saw,but length and width i guess... Measurements at 7:52, thnx!

[@jodyreeder4820]

Being on fixed income stinks, the two saws you have, I need.

[@BohemiaBees]

Totally understand. Beekeeping is a hobby for some and your income should not stop your hobbies or passions, but realize that you shouldn't worry about not being able too have/do something. Find other ways to support your passion/hobby. See if there is someone local to you, where you could come in and use their woodshop until you save enough $ to buy the equipment you want. Also note: that equipment is all second hand, used equipment. When I bought them I didn't have the $ to buy the newest and best equipment. FB marketplace and ebay can be your friend!! Good luck in your continued pursuit.

[@bridiessong]

Check out your local Habitat for Humanity, I got my Milwaukee Sawzall from one for a 1/4 the price.

[@jodyreeder4820]

@@bridiessong Ty, will do some looking.

[@jbird8854]

Did you use a 1x8x6 or a 1x6x8 you mentioned both in the video. Nice trap.

[@BohemiaBees]

1 x 8 x 6

[@BohemiaBees]

Sorry I misspoke in the video.

[@hyfy-tr2jy]

do you know what the internal volume is? yes i know i could do the math myself but thought you might know it off hand

[@BohemiaBees]

It’s approx 9-10 gallons or 2100-2300 cubic inches by volume.

[@noahriding5780]

How would you work it, if you wanted to stack them on top of each other connected, but wanted to make sure they stayed secure, but could still be opened up? Nice video. Like what you are doing.

[@BohemiaBees]

Noah Riding great question. These traps aren’t designed to be stacked or kept as a working hive box where you would need to add additional space. The average swarm looks for approx a 15 cubic liter cavity. The size of this box solves for that and then some by giving the swarm the ability to cluster on the inside of the box on the up to 5 frames and even hand below frames without being outside. It’s comparable to a standard deep on its side. As far as securing the trap it’s really about where you hang it. The hang bar is offset to the lid and open to allow for a ratchet strap to secure to tree or post. The hang bar has a hole for easy hang before securing trap. Hope this was helpful.

[@gregabbott2718]

Great video and a very nice use of material but I don't see how you can get that final mount piece from the leftover 1x8x6. The accumulative cuts (if you include 1/8 blade Cerf) for the 2 sides, bottom and top cover edge bracing adds up to approx. 66-3/4". That only leaves approx. a 5-1/4" length of the board, nowhere near what your are showing. You could however build the mount from the remaining plywood so it's no big deal. I like the design regardless so I modeled it in my spare time. If you would like a copy of the plans along with a cut list with some mods to accommodate material use I can send it to you for comment Greg Abbott Richardson, TX.

[@gregabbott2718]

My mistake.... the actual total cut length is approx. 70-5/16" with Cerfs (not 66-3/4) so the best piece you could have for the mount would be approx 3"x7". I built the box but I needed a 1x8x8' in order to do it.

[@robertshorthill6836]

Yikes! If I had a table saw, no way would I try to rip in half a 4" chunk of ply with a radial arm saw. Set the fence and rip in half parts all day long, especially if you are going to make 5 or 10 swarm boxes. Never throw away any piece of plywood no matter the size. It is always going to be used for something in the future.

[@BohemiaBees]

Appreciate the feedback

[@noahriding5780]

How would you put this together if you don't have a nail gun? I like your video. Thank you.

[@andybynum5365]

Love this video and I'm planning on making my boxes based on this. I did get lost however, at around the 5:30 mark when the audio went out for a bit. Can you clarify the measurements on that part? Thank you

[@pacanoeist]

What would you seal the wood with?

[@BohemiaBees]

Exterior paint, or burnish the outside to seal the pours of wood.

[@hillbilyjed1318]

interesting. woulda like to have seen more of what was going on with the top being built. camera too low.

[@bionicguys]

I've got a hive kit coming, so I will only have undrawn frames. Will it be ok to shake them into my new hive soon or do I need to wait until they draw the frames?

[@BohemiaBees]

If you catch a swarm on undrawn comb. That’s fine. The tend to draw comb fast if they are swarming so as long as you caught one you can transfer into your final hive destination.

[@hodgiehall476]

Why do you use sanded pine verses regular rough cut sheet

[@BohemiaBees]

no reason, other than it was readily avail at my local big box store. You can use a rough cut and save a few dollars.

[@raullopez7439]

How many frames do you put in the trap please

[@BohemiaBees]

4-5. Usually 2 old drawn comb frames with no pollen or honey in them. Then fill the remaining frames with triple waxed foundation.

[@robertspence6405]

How many frames do you put in the trap, if you have them?

[@BohemiaBees]

Typically 5 frames with drawn comb if you have it. Try not to use frames that have honey Or pollen in them

[@robertspence6405]

@@BohemiaBees that sounds good! I thought you would say to use one with a starter strip for that wax drawing instinct to kick in. Thanks for your reply.

[@MrCatsailor]

nice project...wish I could have seen it. adjust your camera !!!

[@BohemiaBees]

Sorry we are likely going to re-record this at some point just haven’t had a chance. Thanks for feedback.

[@shanewinstead6776]

Was that a 1x6 you used?

[@BohemiaBees]

1x8x6

[@guygosh1836]

Can you provide list of how many pieces of each size? Also you say it is 1x6x8 and 1x8x6 so which is it? Thanks

[@g.r.4853]

Does this need some sort of ventilation or painting?

[@BohemiaBees]

No it’s not necessary to have vents unless you plan to leave a swarm in the trap for a length of time which we wouldn’t recommend. As far as painting, you can paint, stain, or wax dip if you want the wood to last longer.

[@g.r.4853]

@@BohemiaBees thanks

[@BohemiaBees]

No problem. Thanks for question.

[@BohemiaBees]

Ventilation not really as a caught swarm really only spends a few days in it (assuming regular checking) And painting YES on the outside to help it weather better.

[@11BossLife11]

[@nursesteve2004]

I just got a swarm box today. JUst wondering, what are the chances of catching an Africanized swarm? will I know when they sting me to death, LOL?

[@dorr221]

6:00 through 6:23 inaudible over background sounds of equipment about the third/fourth lid rails? I assume another rip/slice off hanger board then improvise width of sides? Waving one around with bad audio is little help. I understand it's a 3 yo video yet I'm working remote (sons House) just using a battery skill saw on top of trash cans with $40 of wood, plan to hang up this weekend.

[@BohemiaBees]

I believe you are correct based on how I understand your question.

[@lakers24a94]

Can I know the measurements of the box please

[@crabappleoutdoors7875]

DOSE THIS TAKE LANGSTROTH DEED FRAMES TKS

[@BohemiaBees]

Yes they are designed to accept Langstroth style frames.

[@alecschumacher7509]

Please don't ever pull your workpiece back through the tablesaw.

[@BohemiaBees]

+Alec Schumacher thanks.

[@robandcindy2]

Any chance for dimensions or plans?

[@BohemiaBees]

Rob Thompson I don’t have online plans but I tried to give measurements based on the two pieces of wood and the cuts as I went along.

[@montymitchell184]

@@BohemiaBees Yeah, I don't see why you wouldn't share the dimensions? You would still sell them to the people who wouldn't take on the task. Several people asked but you still wouldn't answer...Plenty of other YTuber's showing their version of a swarm box. Nothing to hide there

[@BohemiaBees]

Not sure where you got the impression I’m withholding plans or measurements? I haven’t had time to go back to my completed boxes and put something together to share. I mentioned most of the measurements in the video. Just need to put it all on paper.

[@johnp.turner2000]

Where's the video on baiting the bees? Also what if you don't have any frames and or Combs for capturing them?

[@DennisBeiko-ne5ks]

It would have been nice if you would have moved the camera a little higher.

[@ronaldgarabrandt1704]

Would like to buy 2

[@BohemiaBees]

We have modified this a bit but same concept on the ones we sell. Are you local to Warwick MD because these would be expensive to ship.

[@ryansams7637]

Is it 1x8x6 or 1x6x8? In the video you said both

[@williamnovarese51]

It is 1x8 6FT long

[@nikaveyard1176]

“Trap”? Good luck “trapping” bees 😂

[@BohemiaBees]

Not sure why this seems like a bizarre concept. We along with many beekeepers “trap” bees all the time. It’s very commonly done.

[@nikaveyard1176]

@@BohemiaBees You “attract” a swarm. I know we are called “beekeepers”, but you can’t keep a queen that wants to leave unless you clip her. And then they will likely kill her and raise another if they are that way out. Lemongrass essential oil round the entrance and box around 10’ high is my most successful method of attracting by the way. Often a swarm of my own I’ve missed 🙈

[@frankwhite1288]

Plans would be nice, the video wasn’t very good at explaining..

[@beekeeper8474]

$500 in today money😂

[@BohemiaBees]

You got that right