How To Build A Swarm Box

How to Build a Swarm Box: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beekeepers

Attracting and catching swarms is a crucial aspect of beekeeping, and a well-built swarm box is your best tool for the job. This guide will walk you through the process of crafting your own swarm box, ensuring it's both effective and appealing to honeybee swarms. We'll cover materials, construction, placement, and baiting strategies. Let's get started!

Choosing Your Materials: Quality Counts

The quality of your materials directly impacts the longevity and effectiveness of your swarm box. Opt for natural, untreated wood to avoid harming the bees. Here's what you'll need:

• Wood: Untreated pine or cedar are excellent choices due to their resistance to decay and affordability. Aim for wood planks approximately ¾ inch thick.
• Nails or Screws: Galvanized nails or stainless steel screws are recommended to prevent rust and ensure durability.
• Exterior Wood Glue: A high-quality exterior wood glue provides additional strength and weather resistance to your construction.
• Saw: A handsaw or circular saw will be needed to cut the wood to size.
• Drill and Drill Bits: Used for pre-drilling pilot holes before nailing or screwing and for ventilation holes.
• Measuring Tape and Pencil: Essential for accurate measurements and marking.
• Safety Glasses and Gloves: Always prioritize safety!

Building Your Swarm Box: A Detailed Construction Plan

The dimensions are flexible, but a good starting point is a box roughly 12 inches x 12 inches x 18 inches. Remember, you're aiming for a space that's roughly the size of a standard hive body.

Step 1: Cutting the Wood

Cut your wood planks according to the following measurements (adjust as needed):

• Two sides: 12 inches x 18 inches
• Two ends: 12 inches x 12 inches
• Bottom: 12 inches x 12 inches
• Top (removable): 12 inches x 12 inches

Step 2: Assembling the Box

1. Apply wood glue to the edges of the side and end pieces.
2. Carefully assemble the box, ensuring that the corners are square.
3. Pre-drill pilot holes before nailing or screwing the pieces together.
4. Secure the pieces firmly using nails or screws.
5. Attach the bottom piece to the assembled sides and ends.

Step 3: Creating the Entrance

Cut a 1-inch wide entrance hole on one side of the box, about 2-3 inches from the bottom. This allows the bees easy access.

Step 4: Constructing the Removable Top

You can either use hinges to create a hinged lid or simply create a separate top piece that rests on top of the box. The removable top will make it easy to inspect and retrieve the swarm.

Step 5: Adding Ventilation

Drill several small holes in the top and/or sides of the swarm box to provide adequate ventilation for the bees. This helps prevent overheating and keeps the bees healthy.

Baiting and Placement: Enticing the Swarm

The success of catching a swarm depends significantly on baiting and placement.

Using Swarm Lure

While not strictly necessary, many beekeepers use commercial swarm lures containing pheromones to attract swarms. Apply the lure following the manufacturer's instructions. Always read and follow all safety instructions carefully when using any chemical.

Ideal Placement

Place the swarm box in a shaded area, approximately 5-10 feet off the ground. Consider locations where swarms are likely to land, like tree branches or fence posts. A partially enclosed area can also increase its appeal.

Monitoring and Retrieval

Regularly check your swarm box, especially during peak swarming season. Once a swarm has moved in, carefully transfer the swarm to a hive. This process usually involves gently brushing the bees into the hive.

Conclusion: A Successful Swarm Catch

Building your own swarm box is a rewarding experience for any beekeeper. With careful construction and strategic placement, you'll significantly increase your chances of catching a swarm and expanding your apiary. Remember to prioritize safety and treat your bees with respect. Happy beekeeping!