To read more about what a swarm is, click here
When a colony of bees swarms, they are looking for a new home. If I am lucky enough to have one of my traps nearby (1-3 miles perhaps) they may choose to move in. That means free bees!
My swarm traps are made up of old deep hive bodies with a solid wooden bottom, and a lid. nothing too fancy. The more wax and propolis (a bee glue of sorts) in the boxes the better. Within the trap is a frame of old, dark brood comb for scent (where the queen lays eggs) and empty frames with small comb guides. I also include a small plastic bag with a cotton ball that has lemongrass oil on it. The lemongrass oil mimics the bees nasonov pheromone. Which means something like “come live here this place rocks!”
Swarm traps are placed on trees, or on the ground, or on the side of a building… basically anywhere you think you have bees in the area. Since I am targeting wild honeybees, I seek out areas that have large old growth trees that could have suitable hollows. In Iowa the river valleys are great habitat.
If you are interested in having a swarm trap placed on your property please contact me. It’s a great way to start learning about bees, and quite the sight to see a colony move in. If the trap makes a catch I can offer you a jar of honey as well.
Swarms build quickly 
Rubber banding frames 
Looking for queen 
Bright new beautiful comb