Custom Wooden Swarm Trap With Hanger
A Swarm Trap That Actually Gets Used — Then Reused
Swarm season moves fast, and the difference between catching a colony and watching it disappear into someone's soffit usually comes down to having the right box in the right tree at the right time. This wooden swarm trap is built to be that box: sized like the cavity scout bees are already looking for, tough enough to live outside through a full season, and ready to hang with the integrated cleat on the back.
Built Around What Bees Actually Want
Honeybees don't pick just any empty space. They want a dry, defensible cavity with roughly the interior volume of two nuc boxes — enough room to build comb, raise brood, and store stores without feeling exposed. This trap is dimensioned to hit that sweet spot, which is why scout bees commit to it instead of moving on.
The interior is clean, unfinished white pine — the same wood beekeepers have trusted in hive bodies for generations. No off-gassing, no sealants to put scouts off, just bare timber that smells right to a colony hunting for a home. The adjustable entrance disc lets you dial in ventilation, reduce the opening as the season warms up, or close it down completely once a swarm has moved in and you're ready to transport.
Made to Live Outdoors
Solid white pine body — light enough to hang high without a fight, strong enough to take years of weather. The metal-clad lid sheds rain and shrugs off UV, protecting the wood underneath. Joinery that holds up to being lifted off a hot fence post in July and a frosty branch in March. This is equipment you set out in year one and still hang in year ten.
Hangs Easy, Comes Down Easier
The integrated rear cleat makes mounting straightforward — a single matching cleat or sturdy hook on a tree trunk, fence post, or shed wall is all it takes. White pine keeps the loaded weight manageable, which matters when you're climbing a ladder with a trap full of bees. Lift to set, lift to retrieve. When a swarm takes residence, close the entrance disc, lift the trap off the cleat, and walk it back to the apiary without wrestling with straps or improvised brackets.
Set the Trap Up to Win
A well-built trap pulls scouts in. A well-built trap with the right lure pulls them in faster and at higher rates. We recommend pairing this trap with Swarm Commander Premium Swarm Lure Spray for quick, season-opening applications, the longer-lasting Swarm Commander Gel for traps you don't want to re-bait every few weeks, or the convenient Swarm Commander Super Lure hanger if you'd rather drop in a single dose and walk away for 90 days.
Who This Is For
Hobbyists trying to grow an apiary without buying packages every spring. Sideliners who want to convert free local swarms into productive hives. Property owners tired of pulling colonies out of walls and outbuildings. Anyone who'd rather catch a swarm on purpose than chase one with a ladder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the trap made from?
Solid white pine, the same wood used in standard Langstroth hive bodies. It's lightweight, durable, and naturally appealing to scout bees. The lid is clad in metal for weather protection.
What size cavity does this trap mimic?
Roughly the interior volume of two standard nuc boxes — the size honeybee scouts consistently choose when they have options.
How do I hang it?
The rear cleat pairs with a matching cleat or a strong hook mounted on a tree, post, or structure. Hang it 8–15 feet up if you can, with the entrance facing south or southeast.
What lure should I use?
The catch rate goes way up with a proven attractant inside. Swarm Commander Spray is the fastest to apply, the 1oz Gel lasts up to three months, and the Super Lure hanger is a single-piece drop-in that's good for 90 days. Pick whichever fits how often you want to check and re-bait your traps.
Can I transport a captured swarm in the trap?
Yes. Close the adjustable entrance disc once the swarm has settled in for the evening, lift the trap off its cleat, and move it to your apiary. Open the entrance once the trap is positioned on its new stand.
Is it reusable?
Built for it. The white pine body and metal-clad lid are designed to come back out year after year. Refresh the bait each spring with a fresh application of Swarm Commander and the trap will keep earning its keep.
When should I put it out?
In most regions, hang traps two to three weeks before your local swarm season kicks off and leave them up through early summer. Scouts can find a well-placed trap within days.
Choosing the Right Trap for the Job
Different beekeepers want different things from a swarm trap, and we carry options to match. This solid wood trap is the long-haul investment — built to hang outside for years and pay for itself in caught colonies. If you're looking for something different, take a look at the Swarm Trooper Flat-Pack Swarm Trap for a lower-cost option that stores flat when you're not using it, or the Wood Pulp Swarm Trap if you want a lightweight, bee-friendly trap at the lowest entry price. All three catch bees. The right pick depends on your budget, how many traps you want in the field, and how long you want them to last.
Stop Losing Swarms to Hollow Trees
Every uncaught swarm in your area is bees you could have had. Put this trap up before the next round of warm afternoons, and let the colonies come to you.
