Swarm Trooper Honeybee Swarm Trap
The Swarm Trooper is a flat-pack swarm trap engineered to catch wild honeybee swarms — free bees for your apiary, with no purchase from a bee supplier needed. Designed using Dr. Thomas D. Seeley's published research on what scout bees actually look for, the trap weighs just 3 pounds assembled, holds 6 standard Langstroth frames, and ships flat to keep shipping costs reasonable.
Why Beekeepers Choose the Swarm Trooper
- Science-backed design: Built to Dr. Seeley's research-optimized volume and entrance dimensions — the specifications scout bees consistently prefer in real-world studies
- Lightweight at 3 pounds assembled: Easy to hoist 8-15 feet up a tree with a single rope, no extension ladder gymnastics required
- Holds 6 Langstroth frames: Captured swarms can build comb immediately on real frames, making the transfer to a permanent hive simple — no cut-out or comb destruction needed
- Weather-resistant corrugated polypropylene: UV-stable construction holds up season after season in sun, rain, and humidity
- Closable entrance and ventilation disc: Seal the swarm in once they've moved in, then rotate the vent disc for airflow during transport
- Top feeder port: Compatible with standard feeder jars to support a new colony after capture (optional plug and adapter bars sold separately)
- Made in the USA
How to Use the Swarm Trooper
Set the trap 8-15 feet off the ground in a shaded spot near a tree line, ideally facing south or southeast. Bait it with a pheromone lure — we recommend Swarm Commander Crush Vials for fast 20-day coverage, Swarm Commander Gel for up to 3-month protection, or Swarm Commander Super Lure hanging lures for 90-day coverage. Check the trap weekly during swarm season. Once a swarm moves in, seal the entrance at dusk after foragers return, then transport to your apiary.
Want the trap and lure together at a discount? See the Swarm Trooper + Swarm Commander bundle (save 20%).
Assembly Video
Watch the Swarm Trooper assembly video on YouTube
Pairs Well With
- Swarm Commander® Crush Vials — quick, mess-free bait for the trap, effective at least 20 days per application.
- Swarm Commander® Super Lure — a 90-day hanging lure for set-and-forget coverage through swarm season.
- Swarm Commander® Gel — longer-lasting liquid lure when you want to refresh less often.
Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 20" long × 14" tall × 9.5" wide
- Assembled weight: 3 lbs
- Frame capacity: 6 Langstroth deep or medium frames
- Material: 4mm corrugated polypropylene (CON-Pearl board)
- Shipping (flat-pack): 28" × 24" × 2", 4 lbs
- Origin: Made in USA
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Swarm Trooper come assembled?
No — it ships flat-packed to keep shipping costs low. Assembly takes about 10 minutes with no tools required. A video walkthrough is linked above.
Do I need a lure to catch swarms with this trap?
You don't strictly need one, but a pheromone lure dramatically increases your catch rate. Most beekeepers using unbaited traps catch occasional swarms. Baited traps with Swarm Commander or similar lures catch swarms reliably during active swarm season.
Where should I place a swarm trap?
Eight to fifteen feet off the ground, in a shaded spot near a tree line, facing south or southeast. Scout bees prefer cavities that are elevated, sheltered, and warmed by morning sun.
Can I leave the swarm in the trap permanently?
No. The trap is designed for capture and short-term holding, not as a permanent hive. Transfer the swarm to a standard Langstroth hive within a few days — the included Langstroth frames make this transfer simple, since the bees can stay on the frames they've already started.
How long will one Swarm Trooper last?
The corrugated polypropylene is UV-stable and weather-resistant. With reasonable care — bringing it in over winter, avoiding ground contact — beekeepers report 5+ years of seasonal use.
What size lure pack do I need?
One application per trap per refresh. If you're running multiple traps or want spare lure for the season, our 5-pack Crush Vials is the best value.
