A catcher box can be used to capture swarms and has advantages including being very light, can be sited all around the farm. After catching the swarm using a catcher box, you can transfer the bees to the permanent hive after 2 weeks.
Catcher box parts
The catcher box has straps that help suspend the catcher box, a top cover that covers the top bars, top bars similar to those of the top bar hive, the hive board, and the entrance holes.
Before suspending the catcher box, ensure that you clean the entrance holes of any cobwebs.
Ensure that the catcher box has top bars of exact making like those of the top bar hive where you will put the bees after catching them.
Catcher box siting
Before siting the catcher box, ensure that there are no gaps between the top bars of the catcher box because this would lead to bees constructing combs that are Crisscrossing.
Before hanging out the hive, use beeswax as a lure. Melt bee wax and smear it on the top bars. after baiting, put back the top bars and cover the catcher box.
Hang out the catcher box on a firm branch with the catcher box hanging straight. Two weeks after colonization, remove the catcher box and transfer the bees to the hive.
