Forest Swarm Trap — Plastic Swarm Catching Box

Catch wild swarms without waiting around: ultralight, ventilated, and ready to hang from any tree or post

🔧 Ultralight body that won't strain your shoulder or the branch

The PP + 15 % fibreglass shell delivers what timber can't: impact resistance, total indifference to moisture, and a complete weight of 2.5 kg. You can load three units into the van without thinking twice. The grade 201 stainless steel bracket handles continuous outdoor exposure without rusting, and the strap grips the trunk without damaging bark. Suitable for permanent installation throughout the swarm season.

⚙️ Adjustable rails: near-universal frame compatibility

The interior has a sliding rail system that lets you set the frame spacing to match your equipment. At 48 cm top bar width, standard Langstroth and Dadant frames drop straight in; slide the rail inward and you also accommodate 47 cm or narrower formats. Depth is not an issue: the box is tall enough for Dadant Blatt frames. In practice it covers the entire Langstroth-Dadant-Dadant Blatt range, which accounts for the vast majority of European hive equipment. The one format that won't fit is Layens, due to its horizontal design. Capacity is 5 frames, with over 20 litres of free space below for the swarm to cluster before occupying the comb.

💨 Proper ventilation, not a token gesture

Two louvred ventilation ports — one front, one rear — maintain active airflow while keeping rain out. A swarm settling in a poorly aired box generates heat and moisture that can put them off staying or kill early brood. The louvre geometry also sheds propolis cleanly, so the vents stay functional season after season with a simple wash.

🔄 Beyond catching: field hive and urban swarm rescue

The adjustable entrance makes this far more than a seasonal trap. Once the swarm is in, you can leave the box in the field with the entrance set and the colony running normally until you're ready to move it. It's also the go-to tool for urban swarm removal: fire services, police, and local councils use it to collect swarms from buildings, trees, and street furniture quickly and without harming the bees. Light, tough, and with a regulable entrance — the three things any off-apiary intervention demands.

💡 In the field: tree, post or wall in under five minutes

The metal top bracket slots onto a nail or screw on a wall, or use the included elastic strap for trunk mounting. Recommended installation height is 1.5 to 4 metres — aim for known swarm flight paths or near hives with a history of swarming. To lure a swarm, rub beeswax inside or apply a swarm lure: worked wax scent is the most effective and lowest-cost attractant available. Once capped brood is present, move the box at dusk with the entrance closed; transfer to a National or Langstroth hive is straightforward. No tools required to assemble or disassemble.