How to Hang Swarm Traps for FREE Bees – Easy Beekeeping Tutorial

It's time to get some FREE bees! Learn how to use swarm traps and have fun. Want FREE bees for your apiary? Swarm trapping is one of the most rewarding (and fun!) parts of beekeeping—catch wild swarms in spring without buying expensive packages! In this step-by-step tutorial from Enjoy Beekeeping, I show you exactly how to set up, bait, and hang effective swarm traps to boost your chances of success (aim for 50% or better with good placement and lures). What you'll learn: Why swarm trapping beats shipped bees (local adaptation, no treatments needed) Best trap design: Lands-style deep box from ½" & ⅜" plywood (plans from horizontalhive.com) No-foundation setup: Use empty frames + old comb or starter strips for bee scent/propolis Powerful slow-release lure: Lemongrass essential oil on Q-tip + queen pheromone alcohol in a Ziploc bag Hanging tips: Use swing chain, ratchet strap, modified S-hooks, and level the trap (critical for straight comb!) Placement: 6-7 ft high on straight trees, slight forward tilt to shed rain, avoid long-term tree damage Extra attraction: Dab lemongrass oil on the outside Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: Why swarm trap for free bees 1:15 – Trap prep (frames, comb, no foundation) 2:50 – Making the lure (lemongrass + queen pheromone) 4:20 – Hardware for hanging (chain, straps, S-hooks) 6:00 – Step-by-step hanging demo (ground practice first!) 9:30 – Leveling & final tweaks 11:45 – Tips for success & what to expect in swarm season This method (inspired by beekeeper Jason Bruns) is beginner-friendly and tree-safe. Perfect for backyard beekeepers using Langstroth or horizontal hives. Catch swarms now and enjoy stronger, adapted colonies! Subscribe for more practical beekeeping tips: [your channel link] Check out my site: http://www.enjoybeekeeping.com/ Online course: https://learnbeekeepingonline.com/ Free intro to natural beekeeping: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/enjoybeeke... Drop a comment: Have you caught swarms with traps? What's your best lure? Like if this helped, and share with fellow beekeepers! 🐝 #SwarmTrapping #FreeBees #BeekeepingTutorial #BeeSwarmTrap #LemongrassLure #NaturalBeekeeping #BackyardBees #CatchSwarms Music Credits Bassa Island Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song... License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license