Swarm trapping is the process of luring feral bees to a pre-designated location when they are trying to relocate a new queen and colony. Generally swarm traps are used at public parks, schools, in homeowner associations, and in large spaces where many people accumulate. Here is an example of an improperly hung swarm trap I came across today here in Prescott Valley.
If you notice the top of the Swarm trap isn’t securely closed, in fact it isn’t even closed at all. Swarm traps, to be effective, need to be a minimum of 8 feet off the ground. This one appears to only be 3 to 4 feet. This trap was swaying with the breeze. Bees will not relocate themselves into something that isn’t secure. Lastly, if you are trying to attract bees to a pre-determined location attracting them so close to where vehicle’s park or people walk is not the ideal location.
For more information or to see if maybe swarm trapping could be a benefit for you give us a call. Spring time is just around the corner so it’s the perfect time to get swarm traps in place and ready!