How can I attract a swarm of bees?

Question

I have a beehive all set up in my organic garden and lots of bee friendly plants. I would love to attract a swarm as other friends seem to have done. What can I do to increase the chances?

Answer 1

Put little puddles of Corn syrup in and around the hive.

Answer 2

Dress up like a bee and smear honey all over your head. That will bring the bees home to mama!

Answer 3

they will come to it when they decide to swarm...........making a new hive.....

Answer 4

How to attract and catch a Honeybee Swarm

Step1Place swarm lure/pheremone vial in trap. I tape it to the top inside of box or lid if using commercial swarm trap. Replace lid of trap loosely, I put a stick in as a spacer to allow air movement then I use duct tape to secure lid so it doesn't fall off or blow off in wind.

Step2Place swarm trap or box near an area of high bee activity such as a flowering plant or bush or a spot where a swarm has landed in the recent past. A recent swarm location is great because it will retain the scent of the Nasanov Pheromone left by the Queen Bee from the previous swarm. This is a strong, oil based chemical that lingers long after the swarm and queen leaves and often attracts other swarms.

Step3While you are waiting for your swarm to arrive make sure you have your hive box and frames ready to go so you can dump that swarm right into the beehive as soon as dusk arrives on the day you find your swarm trap has been successful.

Step4Although not essential I find it helpful to have a spray bottle on hand and full of a mix of 2 parts granulated table sugar to 1 part tap water. I use this to lightly VERY lightly spray an arrived swarm prior to working with it. I do so then allow them 5-7 minutes and even another spray or 2 and drinking/grooming time before I work them into their new home. I do so because A FULL HONEYBEE IS A HAPPY HONEYBEE!

One of the reasons bees in a swarm are often more docile initially than usual is because they are full of honey they have engorged with to bring to their new hive location. Full and engorged like this they are less able to bend into the stinging position. By refeeding them with sugar syrup they become engorged, are less able to sting and also receive much needed fluids and carbohydrates.