To attract a swarm of bees to an empty hive, the most effective tools are lures that mimic the scent of an established colony. You can use a few drops of lemongrass essential oil, a commercial swarm lure, or, best of all, a piece of old, dark brood comb placed inside the hive. These scents signal to scout bees that the hive is a safe and suitable place for a new home.
While scented lures are an important part of the equation, they are enhancers, not magic bullets. Successfully attracting a swarm depends more on providing the ideal real estate—the right location, volume, and security—than on the lure alone.
The Role of Scent: Mimicking a Colony's Invitation
When honey bees search for a new home, scout bees evaluate potential locations. Scent is their primary long-range signal. Your goal is to make your empty hive smell like it has been successfully occupied before.
Lemongrass Oil: The Beekeeper's Go-To Lure
Lemongrass oil is highly effective because it mimics the scent of the Nasonov pheromone. This is a natural "come here" signal that bees release to orient returning foragers and guide a swarm to a new home.
A few drops on a cotton ball or paper towel placed inside the hive is all you need. Refresh it every few weeks, as the scent will fade over time.
Commercial Swarm Lures
Many beekeeping suppliers sell pre-packaged swarm lures. These are typically small vials containing a blend of pheromone mimics, with lemongrass oil being the primary ingredient.
They are convenient and formulated for a slow release, but they function on the same principle as pure lemongrass oil.
Used Brood Comb: The Gold Standard
Nothing attracts a swarm like the scent of a previous colony. An old, dark frame of drawn-out comb that was used for raising bee brood is the most powerful attractant you can use.
This comb is infused with the scent of beeswax, propolis, old cocoons, and residual pheromones, which sends an unmistakable signal to scout bees that "this location has a proven track record of success."
Beyond Scent: What a Swarm Truly Seeks in a Home
A lure might draw a scout bee's attention, but the final decision to move in is based on a rigorous assessment of the physical location. If the hive itself doesn't meet their needs, they will move on, no matter how good it smells.
The Right Location is Critical
A swarm's number one priority is survival. The hive must be placed where it is sheltered from the elements and predators.
Aim for a spot that gets morning sun to warm the hive but has some shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. It should also be sheltered from strong prevailing winds. Placing the hive on a stand elevates it off the damp ground and makes it less accessible to pests.
The Ideal Volume and Entrance
Scout bees measure the internal volume of a potential cavity. They are looking for a space that is "just right"—large enough for the colony and its winter food stores, but not so large that it's impossible to defend and keep warm.
A standard 10-frame deep Langstroth box (about 40 liters) is nearly perfect for this. The entrance should be small and defensible, ideally about one to two inches wide and facing south or southeast.
Understanding the Trade-offs and Common Mistakes
Simply baiting a box is a common starting point, but it's often where new beekeepers fail. Avoiding these pitfalls is key.
Over-Relying on Lures
The most common mistake is placing a baited hive in a poor location and expecting the lure to do all the work. A lure in a box sitting in the middle of a sunny, open field is unlikely to succeed.
Location and hive suitability are more important than the lure. The lure simply helps the bees find your otherwise perfect offering.
The Danger of Sugar Water
While sugar water can attract foraging bees looking for food, it is not recommended for luring a swarm. It does not signal "good home" to scout bees.
Worse, an open container of sugar water is a magnet for ants, wasps, and robber bees from other hives, creating problems that will make your hive less attractive to a swarm.
The Biosecurity Risk of Old Equipment
While old brood comb is a fantastic attractant, never use equipment from an unknown source or a colony that died from disease.
Old frames can harbor pathogens like American Foulbrood (AFB) spores, which can remain viable for decades and will infect the new swarm. Only use comb from your own healthy, disease-free hives.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Your strategy depends on the equipment you have available. Focus your effort on creating the most appealing home possible.
- If your primary focus is the highest chance of success: Use one or two frames of old, dark brood comb in a well-placed hive. The authentic scent of a prior colony is unbeatable.
- If you are starting with all-new equipment: Use a few drops of lemongrass oil as your lure and dedicate your primary effort to optimizing the hive's location, ensuring it's at the right height, sheltered, and has an appropriately sized entrance.
Ultimately, catching a swarm is about extending an invitation, not just setting a trap.
Summary Table:
| Attractant | Effectiveness | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Old Brood Comb | Highest | Mimics authentic, established colony scent. |
| Lemongrass Oil | High | Mimics the Nasonov 'come here' pheromone. |
| Commercial Lure | High | Convenient, slow-release pheromone blend. |
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