Catcher boxes and attractants function as a synchronized lure and trap system designed to simulate ideal nesting conditions for wild bee colonies. By placing these temporary hives in strategic locations and baiting them with familiar scents—such as beeswax, honey, or herbs—beekeepers can actively acquire migratory or swarming African honey bee populations to stock their apiaries.
Core Takeaway Catcher boxes are essential, low-cost tools that convert wild swarms into managed livestock by mimicking a safe, natural habitat. The attractant provides the sensory invitation, while the box provides the physical security required to permanently secure a new colony.
The Mechanics of Capture
The Role of the Catcher Box
The catcher box serves as a decoy nesting site. In the wild, swarming bees seek out dark, protected cavities to establish a new colony.
A catcher box is engineered to replicate these specific conditions. It offers the physical structure necessary to convince scout bees that the location is safe, dry, and suitable for the queen.
The Function of Attractants
While the box provides the structure, the attractant provides the olfactory cue.
Substances such as beeswax, honey, sugar water, or specific herbs are applied to the box. These scents signal to the bees that the environment is resource-rich or previously inhabited, which drastically increases the likelihood of a swarm investigating and accepting the box.
Increasing Occupancy Rates
Without intervention, catching a swarm is a matter of chance.
Using catcher boxes with attractants shifts the process from passive waiting to active intervention. This method significantly increases hive occupancy rates by intercepting wild colonies that are naturally migrating or swarming.
Strategic Importance for Beekeepers
Cost-Effective Colony Acquisition
For operations relying on wild African honey bee populations, buying established colonies can be expensive or logistically difficult.
Catcher boxes represent a low-cost acquisition strategy. They allow beekeepers to expand their apiary count using natural local stock rather than purchasing bees from external sources.
Utilization of Wild Genetics
African honey bees are often wild and migratory. Catcher boxes are specifically suited to this behavior.
By capturing local swarms, beekeepers work with stock that is already adapted to the local climate and environment, rather than importing bees that may struggle to acclimate.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Attraction vs. Nutrition
It is critical to distinguish between attracting a colony and sustaining one.
While sugar water is mentioned as an attractant to lure bees in, it should not be confused with long-term feeding. Once the colony is captured, the focus must shift to Bee Stimulants and Nutrients.
The Risk of Weakness
Attractants bring bees in, but they do not guarantee the colony is strong.
A captured swarm may be small or weak. While the catcher box secures them, you may eventually need to use colony unification equipment to merge a weak captured swarm with a stronger one to ensure survival and productivity.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
- If your primary focus is acquiring new colonies: Prioritize the placement of multiple catcher boxes treated with strong olfactory attractants like beeswax or specific herbs to intercept migratory swarms.
- If your primary focus is colony retention after capture: Switch from attractants to Bee Stimulants and Nutrients immediately after capture to encourage the queen to lay eggs and strengthen the workforce.
Success in capturing African honey bees lies in effectively selling the illusion of the perfect home through the combined use of shelter and scent.
Summary Table:
| Component | Primary Function | Key Features/Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Catcher Box | Decoy Nesting Site | Dark, dry, secure, and protected cavity structure |
| Attractants | Olfactory Cue | Beeswax, honey, herbs, or sugar water scents |
| Scout Bees | Evaluation | Locate and assess the site for the queen |
| Objective | Colony Acquisition | Cost-effective expansion using local wild genetics |
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References
- Maryann Frazier, Harland M. Patch. Ecology and Management of African Honey Bees (<i>Apis mellifera</i> L.). DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-020823-095359
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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