Swarm Trapping is Fun

It's time to get some FREE bees! Learn how to use swarm traps and have fun.
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[@coincollector315]

I do like the chain and S hook idea. Also I liked that you leveled your box and mentioned that the bees use gravity to plumb their wax building. I would like to add that studies conducted by Dr. Tom Seeley suggested that facing an entrance to the South or South East is preferred by the bees because it warms their entrance sooner and obviously if we can have sun hitting the box as early as possible it gives the bees a longer day. Temperature is their alarm clock.

[@johnmiglautsch4587]

Gene, best hanging method I've seen - THANKS!

[@Fatschwab]

I just stumbled onto your channel. Absolutely LOVE your swing chain method for hanging swarm traps. Most of my boxes are hung on trees I don’t own. This method seems easier than my current two strap cleat system and it won’t damage the tree. If you want to see a homeowner cringe, just drive a nail into their favorite oak tree. 😮 Thank you for sharing.

[@gallowaylights]

I like the swing set chain

[@kentcostello5286]

I'm going to put my traps out this weekend. I thank we have more cold days left in Illinois tho .

[@SimonHergott]

Wow, you're about 2 months ahead of Canadian beekeepers! I hung 9 traps last year and ended up with 4 colonies, which was perfect because I had built 4 main hives. I'm a bit skeptical of the lemon grass and swarm commander stuff.. I didn't use any. I feel like it might be fairly unnecessary, especially if you have a bit of wax foundation in the traps already. Hanging traps and waiting for colonies to fill them has been one of the most interesting and rewarding things I've done. Very fun for sure!

[@Goperoni]

Where in Canada are you trapping? Wanting to trap on Vancouver Island myself

[@BettyBeesss]

Thank you!!!!! I’m not a smart man, Jennie either. This is exactly what I needed.

[@great0789]

I hung ONE swarm trap last year and caught two swarms in it! 1st one was in mid-Spring... I left them in there for 3 or 4 weeks until I had a chance to build the new hive. I then waited another two weeks until the old bees quit going back to that tree. Then I hung the trap again and caught a second swarm a few weeks later. A very small one this time. I wish I had moved that trap immediately... and had a second one to hang there. I heard a large swarm flying by one day in the middle there.

[@BettyBeesss]

Did you have yours south facing? Does that matter?

[@great0789]

@@BettyBeesss I did… but that does not matter much with the traps like it does with the actual hive. With traps… it is all about location, scent, some comb/propolis, and being visible. Locate it near their bee hwy.

[@andrewlay88]

Doing this hanging method this year! 🐝 🍯

[@simonclark8290]

Such a great video. I wonder however if the entrance is only at mouth height why bother with a ladder and it's safey issues at all? What I'd try is fitting the vertical wood plank to the tree on it's own with screws at 45 degrees facing down so they protrude say 1/2in (13mm) and dig in. I'd strap that to the tree and then attach the box to the plank with a hook over system of wood or metal. It would save all the heavy lifting to the very last minute and make it safe to work at ground level.

[@Dty555]

Good presentation. Just a suggestion regarding using ladders to hang traps. No swarm is worth risking a broken back or worse. At a minimum, consider investing in a lineman belt whether store bought or DIY. You'll have two hands free and at least feel safe.

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

Just finished making another swarm trap.

[@mellarius188]

Will you make a video when you do catch a swarm so we can see how to bring a heavy box safely down. Thanks for this terrific video.

[@redwood1957]

good video thank you

[@MrHighjumper83]

Can you expand on the Lazutin-style traps you hung toward the end of the video? (Great camera work, Sheila!)

[@sharonc.2207]

Hi, how far from your own existing bee yard should you hang a trap to avoid catching your own bees?

[@oddjobzombie]

Thanks for the great video, as usual! I'm building some Layens traps now. What protective equipment do you think is good for a beginner? Ideally I'd like to go minimal (as long as I can maintain the same patience you exhibit).

[@Dimitri.Angelopoulos]

After a swarm moves in the trap how long do you usually leave the trap on the tree before you take it to your apiary?

[@VojvodinaNet]

Hi, I would like to contact you for a few tips for building Layen's traps and hives If you have time for that. Thanks!

[@alsever7732]

My problem is bears destroying traps after bees move in. For example, in 2023 I got 6 swarms; bears got 14. Back in 2022 I had thought I could outsmart bees by throwing rope over tree limb and hauling trap up 20 feet and my results were ZERO bees at any swinging trap! Since then I just put my traps up at eye level and try to get to trap before bears do.

[@coincollector315]

They make trip wire proximity alarms that use a 209 shotgun primer that when triggered will scare the fur right off that bear. Maybe I should make a video. Harbor freight also has solar powered motion lights that might deter the bears until they wise up. Hopefully you would have a swarm by the time they do.

[@boxturtle6809]

Why not clamp an S hook, or both, to the end(s) of the chain prior to installation? 🐢

[@coincollector315]

The diameter of the tree is unknown and he adjusted it once he had figured it out.

[@andrewlay88]

Are folks usually ok with you hanging them on their property, that's my issue.

[@Dimitri.Angelopoulos]

Same here. I have the same problem in Wisconsin. Everything is private property...