Building a swarm box for bees using blueprints can be quite a labor-intensive undertaking. The challenge lies not only in the number of steps involved, but also in the precision of the parts. Only by carefully observing all dimensions and parameters can you create the perfect structure for keeping bees using step-by-step photos and videos.
Seasoned beekeepers know that sooner or later, a new, young colony emerges from the hive. It must be prepared for life in a separate location and supported during the initial stages of independent life. This process is typically a significant hassle for beekeepers.
The first step is to create a home for the bees. Building a structure is essential; it will become the first home for the newly formed bee colony.
Parameters and appearance of the structure
[sc name=»info-dashed» text=»Since a swarm box is essentially a temporary shelter for escaped bees looking for a new home, its appearance doesn't necessarily have to match all the parameters of a hive. A basket-like design is sufficient to allow the newly formed colony to be transported elsewhere, if necessary.»]
It is impossible not to note the fact that a swarming box is not just a home for bees, but also a direct object for their capture, because an escaped family can hide either in a tree or on the frame of a house, from where, it is with the help of this structure that it will need to be retrieved (caught).
[sc name=»info-attention» text=»Each action is a specific stage and you should minimize the number of difficulties when growing and caring for insects.»]
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Drawing according to Butlerov's scheme
Many modern beekeepers follow Butlerov's design when creating this type of structure. He invented a swarm box for bees, consisting of a frame with several hoops covered with stretched metal mesh.
The lightweight, low-effort design allows for easy transport of bees and their long-term storage, at least until the hive is fully prepared. Swarm box parameters according to Butlerov's design.
- The diameter of the sieve is about 300 mm;
- The height of the swarm box is 450 mm.
The DIY bee hive plans discussed above have many nuances. First of all, many professional beekeepers add their own elements to simplify the process. Therefore, it's important to plan the entire project in advance to avoid problems later.
Additional accessories
Creating a cozy temporary home for bees is important, but it's worth noting that transporting and moving them into the hive requires additional supplies:
- a ladle-shaped scoop (it makes it easy and safe to rake away the swarm);
- A swarm catcher (a kind of net with a lid). If necessary, the swarm is scooped into it, then covered with the aforementioned lid. The colony, now in the catcher, can then be moved from point A to point B.
[sc name=»info-hand» text=»Auxiliary components are fundamental when working with bees. For every specialist involved in honey collection, convenience is the primary factor. All drawings of different types of swarm hives have different design features, so it's important to choose the right one for you.»]
Step-by-step photos:
Step-by-step instructions
Above, we provided an example of a design for a so-called bee trap. It's available in stores, but less commonly, homemade. The challenge lies in making all the parts exactly as shown in the drawings. This can lead to maintenance issues and other inconsistencies down the line.
When it comes to building a trap at home, the best advice is to make it a box rather than a frame. It'll be simple to build and easy to transport. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- As indicated, first you need to choose a shape for the future trap, preferably in the form of a box.
- Afterwards, you need to prepare the materials: boards and pressed shavings.
- The parts must be connected exclusively with glue.
- 10×80 is the size of the entrance hole that needs to be made in the center of the side wall.
- The ventilation frame should be covered with mesh, preferably mosquito netting, secured with nails (small ones).
- Next, the walls need to be fastened together to form the shape of a box.
- Using the latch, you need to attach the lid.
- We nail hooks to the outside of the side walls.
Strictly speaking, this completes the process of creating the swarm box; the rest is up to you. Many photos show homemade swarm boxes of various designs.
The most important thing is what's inside and how it's made. External details are of secondary importance, as insects don't pay attention to them.
Various types of bee hives, which you can build yourself using plans and step-by-step photos, are made with similar functional features but different designs. Choose the one that suits you best.
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