8 Cheap or Free Swarm Trap Ideas for Free Honey Bees

In beekeeping, it is best to save money for beekeeping equipment and avoid spending money on bees themselves. Given the right circumstances, it is possible to catch free bees. While catching swarms may seem complicated, it is easy when you understand a few basic principles. There's no need to spend money on expensive swarm catch boxes. It is most economical when you get creative, DIY-it, and make swarm traps from free items you already have laying around. Let's explore 8 swarm trap ideas from reclaimed equipment and upcycled materials. 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Conventional Thoughts on Swarm Traps 01:24 Unconventional Thoughts on Swarm Traps 02:28 What Bees Need in a Home 03:10 Swarm Trap 1 - Repurposed Old Equipment 06:00 Lures for Bees 07:05 Swarm Trap 2 - Old Nuc Boxes 08:27 Swarm Trap 3 - 5-Gallon Bucket Trap 12:09 Swarm Trap 4 - Foam Cooler Deep Body Trap 16:04 Swarm Trap 5 - Foam Cooler Double Nuc Trap 18:19 Swarm Trap 6 - A Better Use for Pro Nucs 18:58 Swarm Trap 7 - Box Store Flower Pot Traps 19:53 Swarm Trap 8 - Kitty Litter Swarm Trap 20:27 Final Thoughts