What is swarm commander in beekeeping?
Swarm Commander is a modern beekeeping tool that uses the power of pheromones, or scents, to help bees find their place in the hive. By releasing a special blend of pheromones into the air, it attracts bees from nearby hives and invites them to move into an empty hive box. This helps prevent swarming. The process where too many bees leave their existing home and swarm around looking for somewhere else to live. The use of Swarm Commander helps reduce this problem by providing a new home site with familiar scents that attract more bees to settle in.?
How to use swarm commander?
To set up the swarm trap, it is recommended to mount it at a height of 6 to 8 feet above the ground and place it adjacent to a wood line. Apply two sprays of Swarm Commander on the bottom side of your inner cover and one or two sprays on the entrance in case you are using a hive. Be sure to monitor your swarm box regularly every 7-10 days for any signs of activity and reapply as required.
What are the ingredients in swarm commander?
It consists of a special blend of pheromone compounds called “bee attractants” which mimic the scents that beekeepers naturally encounter when they enter a beehive. These ingredients include bitter orange, wintergreen, and gamma octalactone. These all natural aromatics found in flower nectar that act as an irresistible force drawing bees back to their home.
What is a good swarm box to use?
A good swarm box should be durable, easy to open and close, and large enough to accommodate a growing bee colony. Additionally, it should also have ventilation holes for proper air circulation. As well as protective panels so the bees can remain insulated from extreme temperatures. Pre-made swarm boxes made of sustainable pine wood are typically recommended for use with Swarm Commander pheromones. Certain swarm boxes come equipped with an additional wooden component that hangs above the box. This facilitates positioning of the box within a tree or you can use a strap.
Benefits of using a swarm box?
Swarm boxes provide added benefits to beekeepers and the environment. This helps ensure healthy populations of wild bees by providing supplemental nesting sites. Additionally, Swarm Commander pheromones help promote successful swarms while drastically reducing the risk of colony loss due to overcrowding or resource scarcity. Overall, using swarm boxes can result in higher quality honey production yields with healthier colonies. See our swarm box here: Swarm Box