To install a captured swarm effectively, prepare a hive body by removing several central frames to create a large open space. Mist the interior surfaces and remaining frames with sugar syrup, then transfer the bees into the void, waiting a few hours for them to settle before gently returning the removed frames.
Core Takeaway Installing a swarm requires balancing the bees' immediate need for space with their requirement for resources. By providing a sugar syrup mist and fresh foundation, you leverage the swarm's heightened wax-producing state to establish a stable colony quickly.
Preparation and Hive Setup
Creating Adequate Space
You cannot introduce a chaotic mass of bees into a hive box fully packed with frames. Before the transfer, remove several frames from the center of the hive body.
This creates a "landing zone" large enough to accommodate the bulk of the swarm without crushing them.
Applying Resources
Prior to installation, use a spray bottle to coat the inside of the hive box and the remaining frames with sugar syrup.
This serves two purposes: it provides immediate caloric energy for the bees and distracts them with cleaning duties, which helps calm the colony during the transition.
The Installation Process
Transferring the Bees
Pour or shake the captured swarm into the open space you created in the center of the hive.
Focus on getting the bulk of the cluster inside the box; if the queen is with the main group, the stragglers will scent her and follow.
Re-introducing Frames
Unlike installing a package, you should not replace the frames immediately. Wait a few hours to allow the swarm to climb up and cluster onto the existing foundation.
Once they have moved out of the bottom void, gently slide the removed frames back into place to fill the box.
Strategic Frame Selection
Leveraging Wax Production
It is highly beneficial to install swarms onto foundation rather than drawn comb.
Swarms are biologically primed to secrete wax; providing them with foundation channels this natural energy into building fresh, clean comb for the new colony.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Managing Resource Scarcity
A swarm arrives with the honey carried in their stomachs and nothing else. To prevent starvation or absconding (leaving the hive), you must provide continuous sugar syrup.
Feed the new colony until they have drawn out comb and natural nectar flows are sufficient to support them.
Confusion with Packaged Bees
Be careful not to confuse a captured swarm with a purchased package of bees.
If you are installing a package with a caged queen, you must suspend the cage between the center frames with the screen facing open space. For a wild captured swarm, the queen is loose in the cluster and does not require manual suspension.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
- If your primary focus is rapid colony establishment: Install the bees on foundation and feed heavy syrup to maximize their natural wax-building drive.
- If your primary focus is preventing injury to the queen: Ensure you wait several hours for the cluster to move up onto the frames before inserting the final frames into the central void.
Give the swarm space, food, and time to settle, and they will anchor themselves to the new location.
Summary Table:
| Step | Action Required | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Space Prep | Remove central frames | Prevents crushing and creates a landing zone |
| 2. Feeding | Mist with sugar syrup | Calms bees and provides immediate energy |
| 3. Transfer | Shake swarm into hive void | Ensures the queen and cluster are centered |
| 4. Settling | Wait 2–4 hours | Allows bees to move onto frames before closing |
| 5. Support | Provide continuous syrup | Prevents absconding while building new comb |
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