As a beekeeper and apiary inspector, I’ve spent many seasons chasing swarms, evaluating equipment, and helping fellow beekeepers troubleshoot those all-too-familiar questions: Why didn’t my swarm trap work? or How can I attract more feral colonies? Here’s the simple truth: even the most promising swarm won’t stay without a quality trap. And while bees are wonderfully independent, the right bait, entrance design, and placement make all the difference in whether they stick around—or keep on flying.
A well-designed swarm trap isn’t just a tool; it’s a bridge to sustainable beekeeping, capturing genetic diversity and resilience from feral colonies while reducing dependence on packaged bees. Whether you’re setting up your first bait box or upgrading your gear for swarm season, this list includes traps I’d confidently recommend for real-world conditions.
We’ll count down from five to one to uncover the best of the bunch. As a fellow beekeeper, I share in the aim to shop smarter, not harder—so here’s all the Buzz.
5. Blythewood Bee Company Wood Pulp Honeybee Swarm Trap
$39.95 • 4.7 Stars • 7 Reviews
Simple, sturdy, and highly effective, this classic wood pulp trap from Blythewood Bee Company checks all the right boxes. It’s water-resistant, lightweight, and ready to hang at the ideal swarm-catching height of 8–10 feet. The trap’s thoughtfully placed entrance mimics natural cavities, inviting scout bees to inspect and call in the swarm. What I especially appreciate is that these traps tend to attract feral bees—an excellent way to introduce hardy genetics into your apiary. At $39.95 and with a 4.7-star average, it’s a practical and proven way to catch bees the natural way.
Give your swarm-catching a head start with the Blythewood Trap
Discover the Blythewood Bee Company Swarm Trap – Click here for more details!
4. Honeybee Swarm Trap – THE INTERCEPTOR PRO Complete Kit
$170.00 • 4.8 Stars • 165 Reviews
This one’s for the beekeeper who wants a turnkey solution. The Interceptor Pro isn’t just a trap—it’s a fully outfitted kit, complete with frames, lure, hooks, a tree strap, and a beeswax-coated interior to increase swarm appeal. It arrives ready to deploy, and it’s built for the elements, so no need to worry about sudden rain or wind. Reviewers praise its ease of use and excellent capture rates, and from a design perspective, it’s clear this trap was developed with both bees and beekeepers in mind. At 4.8 stars and over 160 reviews, it’s an investment that pays off in captured swarms and peace of mind.
Step into the season prepared with this all-in-one swarm trap
Discover the Honeybee Swarm Trap Kit – Complete and Ready to Use!
3. Best Bee Brothers Ultimate Carpenter Bee Trap
$24.99 • 5 Stars • 3 Reviews
Technically designed for carpenter bees, this trap deserves a nod for its clever engineering. While it’s not a honeybee swarm trap in the traditional sense, it’s excellent for managing unwanted carpenter bee damage while remaining eco-conscious. The external bee vault lets you monitor your catch, while the pheromone-mimicking aeration holes increase its effectiveness without any harsh chemicals. Made from recycled ocean plastic and built to last, it’s a smart and sustainable solution for backyard protection.
For a stylish and effective carpenter bee fix, take a closer look
Discover the Best Bee Brothers Carpenter Bee Trap!
2. Bee Hive Gates – Stainless Steel Entrance Discs (5-Pack)
$9.39 • 5 Stars • 5 Reviews
While not a trap themselves, these hive entrance discs are one of the best accessories you can add to a swarm box or nuc. Made from stainless steel and built with precision, they offer three key modes—fully open, queen excluder, and closed—which makes controlling access a breeze. They’re especially helpful in trapping situations where you want to prevent premature exits or protect from robbing. A five-pack for under ten dollars with a perfect rating? That’s smart beekeeping.
Upgrade your traps with these versatile entrance discs
Discover the 2.64' Bee Hive Gates – Enhance Your Beekeeping Today!
1. Black Bee Cage Swarm Trap – Portable Swarming Catcher
$3.22 • 5 Stars • 2 Reviews
At first glance, this might look too simple to be your #1, but don’t be fooled. This small, durable trap excels at quick captures, swarm transport, and temporary containment. It’s waterproof, wind-resistant, and has a soft hanging loop for easy placement. I’ve used similar designs during impromptu swarm rescues, and their portability is a lifesaver in the field. The layered steel wire provides protection while maintaining airflow, and at just over three dollars, it’s a tool every beekeeper should have tucked in their kit.
Keep one on hand for those surprise swarms—you won’t regret it
Discover the Black Bee Cage Swarm Trap for effective beekeeping!
Swarm season is more than just an opportunity to expand your apiary—it’s a chance to engage with one of the most fascinating behaviors in the insect world. Each trap on this list supports that mission in its own way, from elegant bait boxes to quick-grab cages. With the right gear, you’re not just catching bees—you’re supporting biodiversity, genetic strength, and the sweet hum of nature’s finest architects.
Thank you for reading. Stay curious and keep exploring because the world is better with bugs, not without them.
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About the Author
Carol Maier is a professional entomologist, eco-educator, and the founder of International Bug Zoos Inc. With a lifelong passion for insects, spiders, pollinators, and biodiversity, Carol shares her expertise to spark wonder in the natural world—one six-legged friend at a time. Let’s keep the hive humming together! 🐝
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