Swarm Trap Plans: Build & Bait Guide
Build a honeybee swarm trap (bait hive) from a single sheet of plywood or a single slab of rough cut lumber. This design produces an approximately 27-litre cavity. Lighter and easier to hang than the 40-litre research ideal, but well within the range that scout bees naturally occupy in the wild. For guidance on baiting, placement, and transferring a caught swarm, see our swarm trap guide.
Model
Material List
| Piece | Dimensions | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Side panel | 7-3/4″ × 11-1/8″ | 2 |
| Bottom | 9-3/4″ × 19-1/4″ | 1 |
| Cover top | 8-1/2″ × 20-3/4″ | 1 |
| Cover side | 1-7/8″ × 8-1/2″ | 2 |
| Back hook | 3″ × 17-5/8″ | 1 |
| Cleat | 3-3/4″ × 8-1/2″ | 2 |
| Front/Back | 11-3/4″ × 19-1/4″ | 2 |
Kerf: ≈ 3/16″
Required Tools & Supplies
- table saw or circular saw w/ guide
- hammer & nails, nailgun, or staple gun
- hole saw 1-1/2″ Ø
- measuring tape
- pencil
- wood glue
- 1″ hardware (~30 qty)
Box assembly
- 5/8″ hardware (~16 qty)
Hook & lid assembly
Swarm Trap Plans: Build & Bait Guide
Build a honeybee swarm trap (bait hive) from a single sheet of plywood or a single slab of rough cut lumber. This design produces an approximately 27-litre cavity. Lighter and easier to hang than the 40-litre research ideal, but well within the range that scout bees naturally occupy in the wild. For guidance on baiting, placement, and transferring a caught swarm, see our swarm trap guide.
Stock
Model
Material List
| Piece | Dimensions | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Side panel | 7-3/4″ × 11-1/8″ | 2 |
| Bottom | 9-3/4″ × 19-1/4″ | 1 |
| Cover top | 8-1/2″ × 20-3/4″ | 1 |
| Cover side | 1-7/8″ × 8-1/2″ | 2 |
| Back hook | 3″ × 17-5/8″ | 1 |
| Cleat | 3-3/4″ × 8-1/2″ | 2 |
| Front/Back | 11-3/4″ × 19-1/4″ | 2 |
Required Tools & Supplies
- table saw or circular saw w/ guide
- hammer & nails, nailgun, or staple gun
- hole saw 1-1/2″ Ø
- measuring tape
- pencil
- wood glue
- 1″ hardware (~30 qty)
Box assembly
- 5/8″ hardware (~16 qty)
Hook & lid assembly
When you catch a swarm in your new trap, hivemunk helps you track its origin — even when the queen's lineage is unknown. Record colony source, queen details, and more from your first inspection.