How to Catch a Swarm: A Practical Guide for Beekeepers
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of spotting a swirling cloud of honey bees and realizing you’ve found a wild swarm. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned beekeeper, learning how to catch a swarm can be both thrilling and incredibly beneficial for your apiary.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through what swarms are, why bees swarm in the first place, and how to catch a swarm of honey bees using simple tools and a little strategy. I’ll also share my favorite bee lure—Swarm Commander—and a few affiliate links so you can get everything you need in one place.
What Is a Honey Bee Swarm?
Before you can catch a swarm, it helps to understand what’s happening. When a colony of honey bees becomes overcrowded or feels the need to reproduce, they send out a swarm. This usually includes the old queen and thousands of worker bees who leave the hive in search of a new home.
They’ll often pause mid-journey and cluster in a temporary spot—like a tree limb or fence post—while scouts search for a permanent hive location. This pause is your window of opportunity!
When Should You Try to Catch a Swarm?
Timing is everything. You’ll want to be ready in spring and early summer, especially from April through June, depending on your region. Midday to late afternoon is the most common time for swarms to appear.
To catch a swarm successfully, be alert during warm, sunny days after a stretch of rain—this is when swarms are most likely to occur.
Essential Gear You’ll Need to Catch a Swarm
You don’t need a ton of expensive equipment to catch a swarm, but having a few key items will make the job easier and safer:
Protective beekeeping gear – A veil and gloves are a must, even though swarming bees are usually calm.
Swarm box or empty hive – You can use a cardboard box, nuc box, or deep hive body with frames.
Pruners or hand saw – For cutting branches, if needed.
Ladder – For those high-up swarms.
Bee brush or soft feather – To gently move bees without harm.
Swarm lure spray – I swear by Swarm Commander, a pheromone-based lure that helps attract bees to your box.
Sheet or old towel – To catch fallen bees and keep the area clean.
Note: This post contains affiliate links to products I use and recommend. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you—thank you for supporting my beekeeping journey!
How to Catch a Swarm of Bees: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Observe the Swarm’s Location
When you find a swarm, take a moment to assess. Are they hanging low and within easy reach, or are they high in a tree? Is the swarm clustered tightly or already dispersing?
Make sure you're legally allowed to retrieve the swarm, especially if it’s on private property. Safety first—never take risks with heights or unstable branches.
Step 2: Prepare Your Hive Box and Spray with Swarm Commander
Before you approach the bees, set up your box beneath the swarm. Add a few frames of drawn comb if you have them, and spray 2–3 pumps of Swarm Commander inside the box. This helps mimic the scent of a queen and attracts the bees to settle in.
I’ve had excellent success using Swarm Commander over the years—it’s one of my most trusted tools for swarm catching.
Step 3: Catch the Swarm (Shake, Brush, or Scoop)
Depending on where the swarm is clustered, you’ll need to:
Shake them in – If they’re on a branch, hold your box underneath and give a firm shake so the bees drop inside.
Cut the branch – If it’s small enough, cut it and place the entire branch in the box.
Brush gently – For swarms resting on flat surfaces, use a soft brush or feather to coax them into the box.
Place the lid loosely on the box and give them time to move in. If the queen is inside, the rest will usually follow.
Step 4: Let the Bees Regroup
After the initial shake or brush, leave the box open for at least 30–45 minutes. Watch for signs that the queen made it in—like bees lining up at the entrance and fanning their wings.
This is a beautiful part of the process. It’s almost like the bees are announcing, “We’ve found our new home!”
Step 5: Relocate the Swarm to Its New Hive
Once the bees are mostly inside, carefully secure the box and transport it to your bee yard or chosen location. Try to do this near dusk so the remaining scouts have a chance to return before you move them.
Place them in a prepared hive with frames and feed them if needed, especially if there’s not a strong nectar flow.
Pro Tips for Catching a Swarm
Use old brood comb: Bees are naturally attracted to the scent of used comb.
Set up swarm traps ahead of time: Hang them 6–10 feet up in trees or on buildings, baited with Swarm Commander.
Keep a swarm kit in your truck: You never know when someone will call you about a swarm!
Stay calm and move slowly: Swarming bees are usually non-aggressive, but gentle movement helps avoid agitation.
Why You Should Learn to Catch a Swarm
There are so many reasons to learn how to catch a swarm:
It’s free bees! Who doesn’t love that?
You can expand your apiary without buying new colonies.
It helps protect wild bees from being exterminated or building nests in unwanted places.
It’s a thrilling experience you’ll never forget.
Every swarm is a gift—and a reminder of the amazing way honey bees operate with design, order, and purpose.
Final Thoughts: Catching a Swarm Is Easier Than You Think
You don’t need to be a pro to catch a swarm. With a little patience, the right tools, and some basic knowledge, anyone can do it. Whether you’re adding to your own hive count or helping relocate bees to a safe home, catching swarms is one of the most satisfying parts of beekeeping.
Ready to get started?
Grab your swarm kit, keep Swarm Commander handy, and stay alert this swarm season. You never know when that magical moment will come!
Have questions or tips to share? I’d love to hear your beekeeping stories in the comments below!
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