Every beekeeper would like some freebies, ”free bees,” considering that bee packages and nucs are pretty pricey. It is a great way to start beekeeping or even expand your apiary. They get this by attracting or luring a swarm. While it may sound easy, it is an art that should be learned. You have to make the nest attractive to the buzzing creatures. While bees are the most hardworking creatures, they would give priority to a hive that would decrease their workload. 

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Will an empty beehive attract bees?

An empty beehive will attract bees if prepared well to lure them into making it their new home. An empty hive that was previously home to another bee colony will also be a candidate for swarms, especially if there are pieces of comb in it.  They also get attracted to residual scents of honey, beeswax, and propolis embedded in the wood. An empty hive needs to be placed correctly and at the right time. A feeding system in an empty hive makes the bees move faster in it than in a hive without. A beekeeper can lure a roaming swarm or a new swarm from their own colonies. 

How do you attract bees into an empty hive?

With a bit of effort, it is possible to attract bees into your hive. For instance, you can add bee frames. This tricks the bees into thinking it has been inhabited before. Bees swarm mainly toward the end of spring and the beginning of summer. This is the ideal time for the operation, especially when the weather is warm and there is a strong honey flow. You should avoid placing the hive in strong sunlight, rather should be in a shaded area( cool, dry shade). 

Be sure to place it away from active beehives since the foragers may decide to explore these hives, which may reduce the chances of swarms occupying them. You should also ensure the entrance is small since they prefer a smaller area to defend against robbers. Some beekeepers use sugar water inside the hive to attract the bees. Others use old combs. For a lure or bait, you don’t require a perfect comb. Once a swarm decides to settle in the hive, they bring a crew to drag out debris and chew away any moldy comb before moving.  You can mix the comb with the lemon grass essential oil. This oil works wonders since it smells like a queen bee and is attractive to all bees. Lemon balm plant also works the same as lemongrass oil. 

Bees may take longer than expected to accept your hive. You should not give up too early or move the hive too often. Just allow the stand in one location and have some patience. It may take some time from the time the bees spot the hive and when a whole colony decides to inhabit it. 

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What should l do successfully attract bees in my empty hive?

After luring a swarm into your hive, you should be cautious not to disturb them for the first two weeks. Some swarms may be queenless, so it is crucial to inspect for 1-3 day eggs to verify if the queen is laying or mated. It is also advisable to feed the bees with sugar water to provide the much–needed energy boost for the bees to establish a colony. You should take care to prevent robbing.