How Do You Build A Swarm Trap For Bees?
A recent collection from “Foxfire Magazine” documents the longstanding use of “bee gums” to collect swarming bees. These gums, according to a recent article, were “sections of hollow black gum trees” that were fashioned to lure bees inside. Would-be swarm trappers used to clean and smooth the inside of a hollow section of sycamore, bore four holes through it and insert two crossed sticks through the holes. Placed as close to the swarm as possible, on a sheet or burlap sack, the beekeeper can then shake the limb where the swarm had stopped to rest or simply scoop the bees toward the new hive with his hands. This method is still in use in parts of Appalachia. Use a chainsaw to cut a 24- to 30-inch section of hollow sycamore or other hardwood tree with a 12- to 18-inch diameter. This is the bee gum, without its lid or base. Use wood chisels and other carving tools to make the inside of the bee gum as smooth and hollow as possible. Rub the inside of the bee gum with a coarse, round sandsto
