How do beekeepers capture a honeybee swarm?

When a honeybee colony becomes overcrowded, the queen and a portion of the worker bees depart the hive in a process known as swarming. After flying for a few minutes, the bees settle into a tight cluster around the queen on a branch, roof, or other structure while scout bees search for a new home.12

Because bees in a swarm have departed the hive with a full stomach of honey, they are generally docile and rarely sting. To capture a swarm, a beekeeper typically follows these steps:3

• Positioning: Place a hive or an upturned box directly beneath or near the cluster of bees.3
• Transferring: Use a shaking or smoking motion to force the queen and the majority of the bees into the container. Once the queen is inside, the remaining bees will follow.3
• Relocation: After the swarm is safely contained, it can be moved to a permanent location.3

If the bees are captured in a box, they should be transferred into a movable-frame hive within a few days to ensure the new honey and comb are properly managed.3