You won't get swarms of bees with swarm traps
When first-time beekeepers set up swarm traps or lures near their apiary, they frequently ask whether the bees will swarm. Without a doubt, the answer is "no." You need not be concerned about this.
We don't know what sets off the swarm impulse, but we do know that colony conditions control it. Factors including as genetics, population density, available feed, weather, season, and colony health all have a role. Keep in mind that swarming is a reproductive behaviour that occurs within a colony. Under ideal circumstances, a colony can divide into two or more independent colonies.
Exploring potential homes amidst hives
When we beekeepers know what to look for, we can usually put off or even prevent a swarm from happening. However, we are unable to attract a swarm by means of attractive architecture or attractive scents. The real estate you offer will be of zero interest to a colony that is not yet prepared to swarm.
Despite the fact that I'm often accused of humanising inanimate objects, I'll do it again. No amount of free cookies from the real estate agent will convince most people to buy a home they saw on the street instead of the one they were looking at. Rather than being prompted by the availability of a different house down the street, the decision to relocate is a result of the tenants' personal requirements.
The start of swarming changes everything.
However, after deciding to swarm, bees in a colony will start looking at their housing options. At this same moment, the numerous accessible cavities are just as enticing as the aroma lures you set out. Scout bees may be seen inspecting these, flying in and out of the entrance, and checking every angle of your box.
This bee colony is trying to figure out where to live, but it's only doing so in preparation for a swarm. Eliminating the bait hives and lures won't stop the swarm because you didn't release them.
Bees prefer to remain at a distance.
Typically, a swarm will not choose a new apiary location that is near the parent apiary. Although this does occur from time to time, the young colony benefits from the older colony's proximity since it lessens the likelihood of competition.
It is highly probable that the new swarm will arrive near to its origin. It will remain there until the new colony receives reports from the scout bees and makes a decision. You need to move quickly if you want to capture a swarm that started in your own apiary; this is the perfect moment to do it. Swarms in flight can land for as little as a few minutes, or as long as days.
You can't always rely on moving your swarm traps farther from the parent colonies to boost your chances of capturing your own swarms. Their choice is heavily influenced by the options available, which in turn are influenced by your location.
Set up traps all around your beehive.
I find it useful to hang swarm traps along the edge of my apiary, even if the majority of swarms avoid the house apiary. Despite my best efforts, I occasionally fail to divide colonies that are expanding at a rapid pace. The fact that I've caught several of them in traps makes it look like it was worth it. Not only that, but those traps have been useful for catching swarms from places other than my own apiary, as shown by queens that I failed to mark.
No need to stress; swarm traps and bait hives are enjoyable. The swarm impulse cannot be triggered simply by placing a bait hive. Nature should really be that easy.
