The Bee Catcher Box is a swarm trap used by beekeepers in Kenya to attract and capture wild Apis mellifera swarms during the swarming season. It reduces the cost of starting or expanding an apiary by replacing the need to purchase packaged colonies or nucleus hives. When baited with beeswax or Bee Lemon Grass oil and positioned correctly, it draws scout bees seeking a new nesting site and allows a full swarm to move in.
What Is the Bee Catcher Box?
The Bee Catcher Box is a bait hive used at the colony acquisition stage of beekeeping. It works by mimicking a hollow tree cavity that scout bees look for when a colony is preparing to swarm. The box is positioned in a tree or on an elevated surface near flowering vegetation during the swarming season, then checked every few days for bee activity. Once a swarm moves in and begins building comb, the box is transferred to a permanent hive location. It is suitable for all beekeeping scales in Kenya.
What Is the Price of the Bee Catcher Box in Kenya?
The Bee Catcher Box is priced at KSh 2,500 at Urban Beekeepers in Nairobi. In stock ā no lead time. Same-day delivery within Nairobi. Nationwide delivery available to all major towns. Payment accepted via M-Pesa and card. Urban Beekeepers takes bulk orders. Call 0797 764 747 or message via WhatsApp to discuss.
š¬ Order Now on WhatsApp ā KSh 2,500
Key Features and Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Wood |
| Design | Bait hive with entrance hole sized for Apis mellifera |
| What’s Included | Bee Catcher Box with entrance hole and lid |
| Compatible Bait | Beeswax, lemongrass oil, propolis |
| Reusable | Yes |
| Compatible Hive Type | Langstroth and Kenya Top Bar Bee Hive |
| Suitable Scale | Individual farms, CBOs, and swarm trapping programmes |
| Price | KSh 2,500 |
Who Needs the Bee Catcher Box?
- New Beekeepers: Beekeepers starting their first apiary who want to capture wild swarms as a low-cost alternative to buying nucleus colonies or packaged bees.
- Expanding Commercial Farmers: Farmers growing their apiary beyond 10 hives who want to add colonies during swarming season without purchasing them.
- CBOs and Community Apiaries: Community groups running income-generating beekeeping projects who need an affordable way to increase colony numbers for member farms.
- NGOs and County Governments: Development organisations and agricultural departments running swarm capture programmes to populate farmer hives at low cost.
How to Use the Bee Catcher Box
- Bait the box. Rub the inside of the Bee Catcher Box with beeswax or apply a few drops of Bee Lemon Grass oil near the entrance. This mimics the pheromones scout bees release to attract a swarm.
- Position the box. Place the box 1.5 to 4 metres above ground, ideally in a shaded tree near flowering vegetation. Face the entrance away from direct morning sun and prevailing winds. Secure it firmly to avoid movement.
- Check regularly. Inspect the box every 3 to 5 days. Look for scout bee activity at the entrance. Do not disturb the box if scouts are present.
- Confirm colonisation. Once a full swarm has moved in, observe entrance activity for 3 to 5 days. A large number of bees entering with pollen confirms a queen is present and the colony is establishing.
- Transfer to a permanent hive. At dusk when most bees are inside, seal the entrance and move the Bee Catcher Box to your apiary location. Transfer the colony to a Langstroth or Top Bar Hive within 48 hours.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care extends the working life of your Bee Catcher Box and keeps it performing effectively season after season.
- After each use, scrape old comb and wax residue from the inside of the box. A small piece of old comb left in place can serve as a natural attractant for the next season.
- Inspect the wood for cracks or splits annually. Sand rough edges that could injure bees or allow rain to enter. Re-treat with linseed oil or beeswax to extend the life of the wood.
- Store the Bee Catcher Box in a dry, ventilated location between swarming seasons. Avoid storing sealed in plastic, which encourages mould growth inside the box.
Why Buy From Urban Beekeepers?
- In stock ā same-day delivery within Nairobi
- Nationwide delivery to all major towns across Kenya
- Call or WhatsApp: 0797 764 747
- Trusted by commercial farmers, CBOs, and NGOs across Kenya
- M-Pesa and card accepted
Shipping and Delivery
Urban Beekeepers delivers countrywide to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Machakos, Kitengela, Kitui, and all major towns across Kenya. Same-day delivery within Nairobi. Call 0797 764 747 to confirm delivery timelines for your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bee catcher box used for in Kenya?
A Bee Catcher Box is a bait hive used to attract and capture wild bee swarms during the swarming season in Kenya. It allows beekeepers to expand their apiary at low cost by catching free-living colonies rather than purchasing them.
How do I attract bees to a bee catcher box?
Bait the inside of the box with beeswax and apply Bee Lemon Grass oil near the entrance. Lemongrass oil contains compounds similar to bee pheromones used by scout bees to signal a suitable new nesting site. Position the box at 1.5 to 4 metres above ground near flowering trees or vegetation.
When is the best time to use a bee catcher box in Kenya?
The best time is during the main swarming season, which typically runs from October to December and March to May in most parts of Kenya. Set your Bee Catcher Box out 2 to 3 weeks before peak swarming begins.
How long does it take for bees to move into a bee catcher box?
This varies by location and season. In a good swarming area, bees can move in within days. Most beekeepers check every 3 to 5 days and expect colonisation within 2 to 6 weeks during the swarming season.
Does Urban Beekeepers deliver the Bee Catcher Box outside Nairobi?
Urban Beekeepers delivers countrywide to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Machakos, Kitengela, Kitui, and all major towns across Kenya. Same-day delivery within Nairobi. Call 0797 764 747 to confirm delivery timelines for your location.
