How to Attract Bees to Your Beehive Naturally

Whether you’re an experienced beekeeper or a beginning apiarist, keeping bees is extremely rewarding. One of the major challenges, though, is how to get bees to naturally inhabit your hive rather than buy a package of bees or a nucleus colony. Not every beginner beekeeping can naturally attract bees to a hive, but it is about creating an environment for bees that appeals to their needs.

This guide will walk you through each necessary stage, from selecting an ideal spot to employing natural bait. In this post, you will know how to set up your beehive to be inviting to the bees, while keeping them healthy and productive.

Why Attract Bees Naturally?

Why do so many beekeepers attract bees rather than purchase them?

• Economical – Buying a package of bees is costly, while making use of a swarm is free.
• Dispersal – Wild swarms are typically made up of hardy bees that have successfully adjusted to their area.
• Sustainability — Supporting natural bee populations is vital to preserving biodiversity and enhancing the ecosystem.
• Ethical Beekeeping — For some beekeepers, purchasing bees from commercial suppliers means they disrupt established colonies.

Now that we’ve established why attracting bees naturally is preferable, let’s delve into the best ways to attract these foragers to your hive.

SELECT THE IDEAL SPOT FOR YOUR BEEHIVE

Bees are attracted to locations that provide protection, food and water. Here’s how to choose the ideal spot for your hive:

a) Shelter from Harsh Weather

Bees like a hive out of the path of strong winds, heavy rain, and extreme heat. Select a location that has naturally windy barriers such as trees or bushes.

b) Adequate Sunlight

Morning sun is significant because it warms the inside of the hive and inspires bees to get out and forage earlier. Any place that has forenoon sun and a few hours of afternoon shade is perfect.

c) Away from Disturbances

Avoid placing your hive in an area with heavy human or animal traffic. Bees like things to be quiet, so as undisturbed as possible.

d) Near Food, and Water Sources

The ideal hive site should be several miles from:

• Flowering plants (for nectar and pollen)
• Sources of fresh water (such as ponds, streams or birdbaths)

Adopt a Bee-Friendly Style of Hive

The hive structure some are attracted to and some much less so.

a) Select the Right Hive Type

While there are many different types of hives, the most widely used hives for attracting wild swarms include:

Langstroth Hives – This is a very popular and widely used hive.

Top Bar Hives – Resemble natural hollow logs and are preferred by a small number of wild colonies.

Warre Hives – More natural beekeeping process and attract swarming bees.

b) Make Sure You Have Proper Hive Dimensions

Cavity volumes that bees prefer are between 30-40 liters. If the hive is too big, then it could be less enticing to a swarm.

c) Make Sure Entrance Size is Ideal

The entrance is small (roughly 1.5 inches in diameter) to keep predators out but inviting to bees.

Use Natural Bee Lures and Attractants

Bees have a highly developed sense of smell, so natural lures can greatly improve your odds of attracting a swarm.

a) Use Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass oil contains substances that resemble bee pheromones, making it a strong attractor. Steps to use it:

• Put a couple of drops inside the hive and on the entrance.
• Rejuvenate the scent every couple of days.

b) Use Beeswax Within the Hive

It's familiar-smelling and makes the inside of the hive inviting by coating it with melted beeswax.

c) Try Swarm Lures

Commercial swarm lures exist, but you can also make up homebrew versions by mixing:

• Lemongrass oil
• Beeswax
• Propolis (a resin bees collect)

d) Use Old Honeycomb

Fill the hive with old honeycomb if you can get it. Scout bees readily recognize the scent as being safe.

Offer Easily Accessible Good Food

However, bees require a varied diet in order to be healthy. You can try to get them to stick around by planting lots of flowers.

a) Choose Bee-Friendly Plants

Plant flowers that develop at different periods of the year to build a continuous food source. Great choices include:

• Lavender
• Sunflowers
• Wildflowers
• Clover
• Fruit trees

b) Don’t Use Pesticides and Chemicals

Bees can be impacted by chemical pesticides. In your garden always use natural pest control methods.

c) Offer a Water Source

Set a shallow dish of water close to the hive. Place pieces of cork or stones to provide bees with a safe landing pad.

Keep Your Hive Clean and Safe

a) Protect from Pests and Predators

Ants, wasps and even mice can discourage bees. Keep your hive safe by:

• Using an ant barrier
• Elevating the hive via a raised stand
• Eliminating points of entry to keep illegal individuals out

b) Regularly Inspect the Hive

If you haven’t caught a swarm yet, monitor regularly to make sure your hive is still bee attractive.

Capture a Wild Swarm

Assuming a natural swarm is nearby, you can gently capture them in your hive. Here’s how:

a) Locate the Swarm

If bees are clustering on tree branches, fence posts or other surfaces, they are likely swarming.

b) Use a Bee Box or Nuc Box

Gently shake or brush the bees into a box with ventilation, then transfer them into your prepared hive.

c) Allow Time for Settling

This will help the bees settle and start forming comb.

Be Patient and Persistent

It naturally takes a while to attract bees. Don’t be discouraged if you follow these steps and you don’t see results right away. Ensure the hive is a welcomed well-kept place.

The Signs That a Swarm Is Interested in Your Hive

• Scout bees are newly matured bees that responsible for searching for food sources.
• More bees near the entrance
• Pollen coming in- (a sign they are starting to settle)

Conclusion

Honey bee races feel like home in and out of your bee tree. These tips can help you set up the ideal situation for a colony to thrive: location, natural lures, food and water sources, and protection from pest species.

As a novice or a seasoned beekeeper, you are the right person for the job and following these quick-fix, but effective techniques will help you transition to a bee-friendly home. Happy beekeeping!