In beekeeping, one of the common problems is bee swarming, when families fly out of the hive in search of a new home. Today there are techniques to prevent this phenomenon, but if the swarm has already flown, then you have to use the swarm, so as not to lose valuable individuals. How to make this device with your own hands - read below.

What is a swarm?

A bee trap (swarm) is a device in the form of a lightweight box or basket, with a lid that opens / closes freely. It is intended for the capture, transportation and temporary overexposure of swarming bees in their own apiaries or for the capture of wild individuals in order to increase their own population of insects and conduct breeding work.

Did you know? A bee never stings a person, even when in an angry state.

Design features

Features of the trap for bees are determined by their behavioral characteristics during swarming. So, the already separated part of the family flies out of the hive, and then, having made several circles in the air, lands on a new place of residence. Usually, insects choose elevated areas for this - branches of massive large trees, roof parapets. Based on this, the device under consideration should be quite spacious in order to accommodate a swarm of bees and suggest the possibility of attaching complex fixing elements that will allow it to be reliably located at a high height.

Its main feature is light weight and strength - if the box is too heavy, it can not be fixed at a sufficient height. In addition, the design should provide optimal air circulation so that the bees feel comfortable during the period of temporary overexposure.

Benefits

• The main advantages of this device are:
• the opportunity to return the "fugitives" without threatening their health;
• with the right approach to fishing, ensuring free swarming, which will give a lot of advantages in the form of increased insect endurance, natural culling of old families and increased bribes;
• the ability to catch not only their own swarms, but also wild bees;
• convenience in operation;
• versatility - with the help of a roar, you can not only catch already flown families, but also transfer workers who are only preparing for this to another place.

The main advantage of the design is the possibility of its own production without significant cash outlay.

Disadvantages

There are no significant shortcomings in the swarm. Rather, they are associated not with the construction itself, but with organizational aspects of the capture of bees. This includes the difficulty of removing the device from a great height along with the insects inside. The second nuance is the need not only to set a trap, but also to lure the fugitives into it, for which you need to use various sprays or grindings from the grass collection. Plus, a swarm can even in the presence of high-quality lures choose a completely different place, and not one that is beneficial to the beekeeper. Based on this, you should acquire several swarms and place them in the most attractive places for insects.

Did you know? Drones do not participate in the collection of nectar at all. They are necessary for fertilization of the uterus, and die immediately after mating.

How to make a do-it-yourself swarm for bees

Getting to the construction of a spade, you need to prepare drawings and all the necessary tools. The most popular among experienced beekeepers is the Butlerov design. It is a box with a capacity of 40-50 l, with an opening lid.

Necessary tools and materials

A swarm trap can be made of wood or polystyrene. The second material is lighter, but friable, therefore, when attached to a tree, it can be damaged by branches. It is best to make a boar of wood (you can take plywood or chipboard) - this material is quite durable, lightweight and will last longer. In addition, a mosquito net, wood glue and a couple of boards are required.

Of the tools you need to work:

• scissors;
• shoe carnations;
• a pen;
• hinges (for fixing the cover);
• ruler;
• pencil;
• stationery knife;
• hammer;
• screws for attaching the cover and hinges;
• fasteners convenient for the user;
• latch.

Drawings and Dimensions

The design itself is a box with dimensions:

• bottom - 35 × 45 cm;
• sidewalls - 30 × 45 cm;
• back wall —35 × 45 cm;
• cover - 35 × 45 cm.

Step-by-step manufacturing instructions

First you need to cut out the details with the appropriate dimensions. On one of the side walls you need to make a notch with dimensions of 1 × 8 cm. On both side walls you should nail strips with a section of 2 × 2 mm. There should be at least 4 on each wall - these devices will be needed to install frames with land. After that, you need to fasten the back panel, the sides, directing them inward with trims, and the bottom with glue. When dry, knock down with shoe cloves. On the rear panel you need to fix the handle for carrying.

Video: how to make a swarm for bees

Next, instead of the front wall, you should pull the mosquito net and secure it with studs. In the lid you need to make a rounded hole with a diameter of 10 cm and cover it with a mosquito net. After that, in the upper part of the back wall, you should fix the hinges and screw the cover to them. The free edge of the lid must be equipped with a latch so that the structure does not open when carried. From all 4 sides of the box, it is necessary to fix the fasteners, with which the structure will be held in place. Inside, set 4 frames with sushi and rub with a mixture of rosemary, mint and citrus.

Important! Be sure to align all sharp edges and roughnesses on the structure with sandpaper so as not to get injured during operation.

How to choose a place to install

Mounting the trap should be carried out 2 weeks before the alleged swarming. It should be fixed on a tree at a height of 3 to 6 m so that the summer gate is directed to the south. You need to select a place at a distance of 100 m from the apiary. Typically, swarms tend to trees that are clearly visible on the ground, located near sources of pollen and nectar (forest, meadows, fields). The swarming process can be observed from May to September. Accordingly, in mid-May, traps should already be set.

Check the installed structure every 2 weeks. If a swarm is found during verification, the letok should be immediately covered and the insects transferred to a new hive.

Tips from experienced beekeepers

A few recommendations from experienced beekeepers regarding the design and use of bee traps:

1. Try to use natural materials for the manufacture - the most suitable is wood.
2. If it was decided to treat the structure with linseed oil or other paint, then this should be done a year before it is put into operation.
3. When placing a swarm, pick up trees that are not exposed to the sun's rays - the bees do not tolerate heat.
4. Always additionally fix the trap with slings or wire.

Important! If a swarm is found in it when checking a trap, then after moving it to the hive, the swarm must be returned to the same place.