Capturing swarms provides more than just “free bees”. This can also be a way to add good genetics to your beekeeping. In this lesson EAS Master Beekeeper John Benham explain and demonstrate the process of trapping bees. In this lesson you will learn: What makes a good bait hive, how to configure a bait hive, how to make and apply a swarm lure, and how and where to place your bait hive for your best chances of capturing a swarm.
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Buy Swarm Lure:
If you would like to buy a swarm lure that is already made check out Swarm Science Advanced Lures
While it might cost a little more the advantage of having a ready-made and easy-to-use lure is more than worth it once you start catching swarms!
Find It Here: SwarmScienceLures.com
Or on Amazon: Swarm Science Advanced Swarm Lure
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Make your own Swarm Lure:
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Neroli Oil
One of the swarm lure ingredients is Neroli Oil which in a pure form is very, very expensive. As a result it is typically sold in a blend such as this one by NOW oils that contains 7.5% Neroli Oil and the remainder Jojoba oil. This is ok as the Neroli oil is detected by bees in even very small concentrations. Find It Here: Neroli Oil 
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Citral Oil
Many turn to Lemon Grass oil for attracting swarms and this is a good option. It is actually the Citral in the Lemon Grass oil that is attractive to the honey bee swarm. So, if you are looking for a higher concentration of Citral you can actually buy Citral Essential Oil. This is not as readily available as Lemon Grass oil. Find It Here: Citral Oil [/one_third] [one_third]
Lemon Grass Oil
(Alternative to Citral)
An alternative to Citral which is easily available on Amazon and elsewhere is Lemon Grass Oil. As mentioned before Citral is a bit harder to find while Lemon Grass oil is easily found at pharmacies, grocery stores or online: Find It Here: Lemon Grass Oil 
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Learn More About Swam Behavior:
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Honey Bee Democracy
This book is the ultimate guide in how honey bee swarms choose their hone site, written by researcher DR. Tom Seeley. If you love the science behind why our bees behave the way they do this is a must read. If you are short on time and want to cheat a bit, you can find a lecture Tom Seeley did on his research here: Honey Bee Democracy Video
Find It Here: Honey Bee Democracy
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The Lives of Bees
Tom Seeley is the pioneer behind our knowledge of honey bee behavior in the wild and his years of research are described in his newest book, The Lives of Bees. This is heavy on the science and not for the faint of heart, but if you are interested in learning how bees behave in the wild and how this knowledge can change your beekeeping, this is a must read.
Find It Here: The Lives of Bees
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Sign up to learn more about honey bees and beekeeping:
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Are You a “WannaBee” Beekeeper?
If you are not a beekeeper yet and you are interested in learning how to become a beekeeper, please check out our Introduction to Beekeeping Course. This course is for those looking to learn the foundations to successful beekeeping, from bee basics, hive and bee purchasing, to honey extracting and everything in between. Our 10 step guide will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and confidence you need to over com your fears and hesitations and start your first hive and keep happy, healthy, honey making bees!
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The items include Amazon products. These are Amazon affiliate links, so if you buy an item through this site you are both fueling your beekeeping addiction and you are helping contribute a small percentage of the sale to continuing my beekeeping addiction…Thank you!